48:18N 12:10W

After the various trials and tribulations of recent days we are enjoying a very pleasant morning making steady progress under sail in the right direction with decent wind and some sunshine.

We motored for a few hours last evening after fixing the engine enjoying the dulcet tones of a diesel, then switched it off with a degree of apprehension(in case it wouldn’t start again, though the electrical starting circuit had never been the problem) at midnight when the wind had increased sufficiently. Hopefully the wind will continue decently and we can conserve our fuel.

Simon took us past the 300 miles to go to Newlyn milestone earlier, but is concerned to hear who won the Derby yesterday so any news on that would be gratefully received. Meanwhile Allan has been busy treating us to bacon and scrambled eggs and doing some running repairs to the boat. He has done well with the electrics and plumbing involved in fitting a replacement domestic fresh water pump, but has not yet succeeded at the carpentry challenge of re-attaching the pan cupboard hinge!

The engine started fine earlier when we gave it a quick test for reassurance and the jury rigged forestay seems to be holding up fine. We are still in twice daily contact with the Coastguard who are monitoring our onward safe passage. We are keeping options open as to whether to call in to Newlyn for a pit stop for fuel or whether to continue direct to Dartmouth as originally planned. They are both in the same direction for at least 36 hours so no hurry on that decision.