26:33.45N 16:01.55W

100 MILES SW of CANARIES

22/11/10

Wind N/E 10 to 15knts

Weather good

 

Managed to survived first night at sea -which is always the worst -whilst getting used to watch system and  very strange sleep patterns 

Any how other than my lack of sleep Debs /Nick and “Fred”-(Federico) all had a good night

Making good progress now after a slow start and have our headsail poled out and making 6 to 6.5 knots in lightish wind

 

Great spectacle at the ARC start with around 250 boats all jostling for position and we got off well but lost out to those with spinnakers who literally sailed past

Got some thing back a little later when we set up our current rig but not too well placed at this point .We should improve our position when we get into proper trade winds in a few days or so

 

Crew all pretty happy with each other and a very nice helpful attitude exists

Fred is fitting in well and on Nicks watch – he seems a really decent sort so we were most fortunate to find him in Las Palmas.  – it is always risky , but we did well.

Having the extra help on watches makes it really simple to organise  and gives all much more sleep and rest

Debs is very relaxed and that is probably due to easy start and good crew around her the fact that she saw the first Dolphins of the trip

Nick has just started fishing- so maybe Tuna or Marlin tonight

 

Anyway are thought are with you all we will keep you posted

 

GUY