The weather looked good for a sail to Faial, though perhaps with the wind easing overnight. The distance from Flores to Horta is about 135 miles, so it looks like a 24 hour passage. Up early, having negotiated a 0700 exit with Ali and Jim, and we were raising the main sail outside the breakwater exactly on time.

Leaving the island was a little bit of a wrench, since we felt we would have enjoyed some more walking and shore scrambling (Jim managed the latter yesterday), but needs must if we are to get back to the UK anytime soon. We have lost about 10 days to weather since arriving at Bermuda, and we do not want to slip any further.

The wind was light in the lee of the island, but as we moved offshore it picked up nicely and we doused the main and raised the Parasailor for fine downwind surfing. Ali claimed the first 8 knots, but that was soon eclipsed as we sped along in fresh north and westerlies.

At this rate, we will be in Horta before daylight, which was not in the plan! However, conditions are benign, the entrance is well marked, and we are not blathered so things should be fine.

Here we come….

Watergaw