39:07.8N 19:43.2W

Day 4 (1/6) – Sunshine, spinnaker and sea-life – a sunfish and whales (a lot of them) was yesterday afternoon’s “entertainment”! A pod of 20+ whales, 30-40ft true giants of the ocean swam alongside and to our stern for almost an hour. The two astern (males?) got a little close for comfort – life-jackets were donned, just in case they mistook us as a threat to their group! A smaller whale jumps full out of the water (not on camera of course). The sounds of blowing and song filled the air. Thankfully, the males pass peacefully underneath and continue on their eastward journey. Later in the day a sunfish black fin flops lazily on the surface.  Meanwhile the spinnaker fills and we continue our journey at a slower pace until stowed for night sailing. Sundowners and dinner on deck in the escaping daylight finishes a memorable day.

After a dark night, sky full of clouds and very light winds (motor-sailing), the new day of June dawns perfect for another kite run. The asymmetric quickly hoisted and we were underway – boat speeds topping 10.3kns making great progress across deep blue waters under the baking sun… Sundowners, home-made pizza and bread baking in the oven as the sun drops once again below the horizon. Just another day on the ocean!

Position posting at 15:00 Azores time (GMT) 1/6

Phil and Matt