25:00.0N 20:49.0W

Out of Africa

Well here we are, 2 days into the Atlantic Passage. A pleasant but slow start, as the wind died away to < 4 knots the first evening and we resorted to using some diesel, and the second night wasn't much better, but at least there was 5 to 8 knots which was enough to remain sailing. We have been using the twin headsails and the full main during the day and keeping the wind angle to broad reach with all sails pulling. Fine in these light winds. At night we have tended to turn South and reach to increase the apparent wind. The weather files we have downloaded do not look good for a few days, as an area of light winds remain ahead of us.

We have seen 3 other boats since we set off, apart from that it's all blue Ocean.

Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Actually we are on strict rations of 5 litres a day between us - for everything. However, we have 300 litres of water, 20 L of milk, 8 L of fruit juice, 72 cans of beer, 8 bottles of red wine, 1 bottle of Port (thanks Joao), 1 bottle of Whisky (for Tony's birthday, thanks Di), 1 of Gin and a Soberano in a Pear tree - so we're not going short of liquids for a while! The Cuisine has been surprisingly good, partly due to the calm weather, sleep has been reasonably plentiful and so far all's well with the WM World.

The pics show the motley Crew doing their chores - look upon these as the 'before' shots, although for me and Tony it's half way through.

Phil tidying the reefed main with twin headsails pulling at the bow. Tony dutifully washing up in seawater (beard's coming along well). Peter reading 'My First Atlantic Crossing' (a bit late to change your mind now)!. Robin and Pete's efforts in crafting an emergency tiller for Maggie. Maggie is the HYDROVANE SELF-STEERING, named after Thatcher, i.e. the Lady's not for turning.  Hope they come out OK, I've compressed them amap.