Well, the forecasted stronger winds did come and persisted through the night and well into the afternoon. With just the tiny staysail and a double-reefed mainsail, the boat handled the gusts with ease. However, to maintain boat speed, we have been continuing to run the engine. I hope I don’t jinx anything by saying that the engine has been running well. Long may that continue to be the case….. So, it has been a bumpy trip so far. Lots of wet clothing, particularly Howard’s who has been up on deck several times to re-secure the remaining anchor that is on the bow and some lines that have worked their way loose. So, the boat isn’t quite as tidy as she was. Thought you might like to see some internal shots …. including one of Howard taking a well-earned rest (but you have to wait until we get to Bermuda to see them as I don’t wish to block up our offshore email with large files). Mike has been a star at producing hot cooked meals without much preparation involved, probably because he planned it all out so well. Today he produced mango chicken over rice – yum. So, we are living well, despite the lack of sunshine outside.

Conditions are easing now and we expect to have benign Southerly winds around 15 knots for the remainder of the passage. We may reach Bermuda waters tomorrow night in which case we may decide to slow down so we can enter in daylight…. time and conditions will dictate.