Today's GRIB file confirmed that there is a severe gale approaching the UK from the west.  If we continue on our course direct to Falmouth we will find ourselves in the thick of it.  Not wanting to do this, we jibed and headed SE to keep in the gentler winds on the edge of the low causing all the problems.  We maintained this course until dawn and have now jibed again and are back on track for Falmouth with 294 miles to go and the centre of the storm disappearing up the Irish Sea. 

 

Our AIS system has certainly earned its keep today, we had two ships pass us in rapid succession, both only just visible for a few moments at a time as they rose and dipped on the foggy horizon some 2 miles away.  It is comforting to know that we are not alone out here in the gloom and it is certainly keeping us very much alert and on our toes. 

 

Early this morning as dawn broke I was on watch as we were joined by a few porpoise, they didn't stay long but it was lovely to see them.  We are now beginning to see Manx Shearwaters gliding and swooping over the turbulent crests of the waves, they are so elegant with their scimitar shaped wings. 

 

All is well on board, we still have plenty to eat from the Bilge Store.