We slipped out between our two neighboring yachts at 7:00AM Thursday 7^th August and headed out into the unknown to cross the Eastern part of Biscay 48:45.52N 5:20.84W

We were not able to make a start until 7:30 AM once the sill opened and let us out. The minute it did we were off, initially the wind was pretty non existent, in fact we spent the entire morning trying to leave Penzance. About 1 PM it picked up and we were headed for France. It did not take long for the wind to get above 20 Knt's gusting up to 28 Knt's so we reefed in the front sail to make the boat comfortable. I am very happy how she performed on such a renowned stretch of water with a decent blow, ‘Artie’ our Auto pilot put in a great show and sailed us strait into Biscay, while Silky just cut her path though the swell.

Through the night it was smooth sailing however, strange not being able to see the waves rolling on in but with out fail every time Silky would rise and fall effortlessly. Sometimes the water can get the better of you, as you can see from the picture Fiona  looking like a drowned rat.

Lunch was fresh fish, which was absolutely fantastic, and has been my plan ever since I dreamed up the idea of sailing home. There has not been a day yet that I have not had the rod in the water. I think I will even start catching fish regularly soon.

The evening took it’s toll on the batteries with Artie being so thirsty and the Nav & Tri Color lights on Silky was drawing up to 10 Amps so out came the water generator in perfect down wind conditions to aid her battery’s. About 5 Amps on tap is produced on a good run. With the water generator and the Solar panel’s who needs to plug into shore power. I just need to save up for a water maker now and no need for stopping in the over priced marina’s.

Special comments by Fiona:  Night sailing is definitely not my idea of fun.  Apart from being sleep deprived, my eye’s started playing tricks on me when I was sure we were going to run straight into this “white light” ahead.  Turns out it was a light house in the far, far distance.  I had been worrying about it for nearly 2 hours, when Ben awoke and reassured me.  Needless to say I was relieved when day light broke and excited to know we had reached French waters.

Day 018

Destination – France

Traveling Direction – South

Wind Direction – North West (Good breeze F5/F6)

Average Speed 6.5 Knots

Top Speed 8.8 Knots Over Ground 

Total distance 84.3 Nautical Miles

Travel Time 19.5 Hours

Crew     - Fiona (Seeing things)

            - Craig (Not well)

Missing Work - I do not think So

Expenses - £40 (2 nights at Penzance)

Next Destination – Benodet