So what have I learnt after 21 days at sea? It's big, mostly blue and populated by mariners who get very excited if your course is likely to bring you within 200 yards in 2 days time. Tempers have been kept in check, the jokes however bad have raised smiles, we have eaten extremely well, albeit often canted over at 45 degree angle. Sweat and salt have formed a protective patina on our skin which seems a shame to remove despite the excellent bathroom facilities on board. Our lives have been utterly dependent on Juno this fine construction of plastic, wood and tender loving care, she has served us well.

Skip will not have much longer to put up with Foredeck and Navman easing the sails out, when he wants them brought in a bit.  It's taken us all 21 days at sea to realise not to shout and scream '12.4 knots' in earshot of Skips, only to suffer the retort of 'furl them away yer b******ds'!  The good yacht Juno has transported us across the countless miles in 5 star luxury, the only issue being the evening sweats, but tonight a rare treat from Skip, we have air conditioning permitted for an hour before night watches begin....thank you! 

Crossing the ocean incorporates many days which unavoidably mould together. The sky is blue, so is the sea. The sun is hot, the night is dark.The wind generally always blows and the destination remains the same. Then there are the punctuation marks which stands out from the daily routines and rythmms. The jubilation of catching and eating of a Barracuda fish. The steering gearbox failing. The squalls and tropical rainstorms.  Fine food prepared in an impossible galley. I will not miss the soaking wet pillow when woken for my watch. Yet I suspect I will curiously awake for several weeks to come for no good reason in my stationary bed at home reciting the skippers' metronomic chant. "Helmsman steer 276.....".