Still flying song at 6 - 8 knots with asymmetric and genoa - bang on the rhumb line (which is good).  We had the asymmetric (big sail) up all night which was a first and it behaved very well.  I suppose I should say the wind behaved very well, as did the waves, and not only did we make good speed wth all that sail up, the motion was also very comfortable. 

So comfortable in fact that Tristan could not wake me for my shift at 10 p.m.  Perhaps that was also partly due to another very good supper of freshly caught dorado.  This one the biggest yet.  Sophie had a job holding it on the deck (see pic) and it did nearly get away at one point after being landed.  Sophie was obviously on good form having just had an Atlantic hair wash and blow-dry (see other pic).  We tried to get Tristan, who had landed the monster, to hold it aloft for a proper fisherman’s pride photo, but he was too nervous that it might escape again (so pic 3 is the best we got!)  Well done Tristan anyway.

There was one sticky moment yesterday evening when one of the pad-eyes (stainless steel hoop stuck to the deck) broke and released the genoa line, under some tension, complete with it’s pulley block.  Luckily it hit no-one and Qing’s tough guard rail posts were man enough to hold the line while it was re-attached to another secure eye.  Could have been nasty.  We’ve put a safety line on the one on the other side now as on inspection it looks like it might go too. 

I spent  45 mins or so this morning, again, trying to capture a flying fish on camera, but they really are tricky.  I’ve attached one of the typical shots I get (actually this is the best one so far!) See if you can spot the fish!  I’ve already enlarged the photo about three times.

And finally, for today, we must be nearing land because there’s seaweed in the water and more birds appearing.  I like this shot of a ??? (any suggestions bird lovers?)  trying to alight on the top of our mast. It made a number of attempts, flying in from a distance like jumbo jet on final approach, and then desperately searching for somewhere to put it's feet.  Sadly it couldn't find a way in between the aerials and wind instruments so never got its rest.  Probably just as well as most of the  kit up there won’t take kindly to pigeon poo. 

Only 420 miles to go.  31 deg C.  15 kn wind.  4 novels left on iPhone. 

Jaynie - don't worry about bringing stuff out for me when you come. The iPad and GoPro would be great as would the water-proof camera if you can remember them, but not essential.  Travel as light as you can!  Also, you don't need to worry about the charter arrangements, it's virtually certain now I'll be there to meet you and everything's sorted. Our ETA is still early Wednesday morning.  I'll call you when we've arrived! xxx

xxx