It's the final countdown

Reservoir Dogs
Patrick Farrell
Fri 12 Dec 2014 21:43

> 16:20.10N 56:33.50W
> So, 279nm to go and an ETA sometime on Saturday.
> Still lots of excitement - the night before last we had our biggest squall yet. It was about 4nm across and we were right in the centre of it - lashing rain and 30 - 40 knot winds. Bev and Peter were on watch when it hit and Nigel and I (Pat) were having a coming off watch nog :0)
> We dashed up and the four of us had a couple of reefs in the main and genoa in no time. It lasted about 2 hours. I am very pleased with the way we are handling these issues now.
> This was followed by some splendid sailing in the sun all day yesterday and today.
> Yesterday we crossed “The Great Fold” and had another champagne celebration. (NB The great fold was an annoying fold in the middle of the Atlantic Passage Planning Chart. We are now on the west side of it and don’t have to turn it over any more!)
> Having fixed the generator yours truly has also fixed the water maker! Determined and continuous “poke and hope” does actually work. If I can now get the water out of my mobile phone all will be well.
> Having looked at the positions email from WCC we are not expecting a great result although, as one of the smallest boats the handicap system should help us. Also, many of the boats have been using their engines while we have steadfastly avoided the temptation. This will also help when the final positions are calculated.
> Our next champagne celebrations will be sighting land (hopefully St Lucia) and then actually landing. We are all looking forward to showers fresh food, especially greens, and a long cold drink. No doubt some of the ensuing hi jinks will be blogged!
> Bye for now.