The winds on the first day varied between 15 and 20 kts and we were able to make good progress up the coast in a northerly direction.
To anyone who is not used to the motion of a yacht under full sail, I can only describe as being like a ride on a tilting rollercoaster with unexpected 90 degree bends both left and right every few yards. Apparently you do get used to it !!

For the first few miles while we were still in sight of land, Mike’ mobile phone was glowing red hot as last minute deals were struck and friends and family were contacted.  As the mobile phone signal diminished, a new version of an old nautical saying was heard across the deck. Instead of “eight bells and and all’s well”, it was “one bar and no connection”

Progress was good overnight and we did a few left and right turns (oh alright .. we tacked).  This night sailing is almost worth it for the incredible view of the stars in the sky. Stewart is a bit of an enthusiast for the heavens and was able to tell us over breakfast, the various different constellations that he had identified none of which I had heard of.

We are now into day 2 and at the time of writing (11am) the winds have dropped to about 4kts and about an hour ago we had to turn the chuggy thing back on to make any progress. We had a small hiccup when Mark was testing the engine cooling system and push the boat fast under power. The chuggy thing didn’t like it and registered it’s disapproval by overheating. It was duly turned off and spanners, screwdrivers and bits of oily rag were poked, prodded and inserted into it’s inner most bowels. Nothing obvious was found so Mark made the decision to try and run it again but this time without trying to get the front of the boat up on hydrofoils. It appears to be working just fine.

That’s where we are at the moment … spirits are high and we await the fair winds that will blow us to Bermuda.

Having said that, Mark has just come downstairs with a smug look on his face saying “That’s the lightening conductor fixed” … what does he know that I don’t?

Stop press - Stewart would like it to be known that his position on board has been upgraded – he is no longer the cabin boy, he is now the Navigator – thank goodness he’s brought his own GPS.