Friday 15^th May

Still heading south in idyllic conditions. It’s much cooler here than in the Caribbean, though and a fleece is handy at night. It looks like we had a bite on the fishing line but lost it, but will keep trying. The low’s forming up to the east of us, and the weather is performing just as Uncle Herb predicted, wind slowly strengthening and backing to the west. The aim is to get down to around 30 North and turn east.

 A high standard of cuisine has been maintained so far, today’s offering being – seasoned cabbage with couscous and chorizo for lunch, chile and pasta for dinner, though it won’t be too long before tins are the order of the day. No signs of alcohol withdrawal symptoms as yet, though a huge jar of peanut butter has been ceremonially opened and seems to be evaporating. Shipboard life is a real microcosm and becomes the only focus, standing watch and helming, mealtimes, even a wash develop a life of their own as the boat wanders steadily on – far out man! Must rush, there’s a knot of the day demanding attention.

Knot of the day: Monkey’s fist  Nautical saying: Sea pie (next week’s menu)