Position: 30 degrees 50 minutes North
76 degrees 09 minutes West
We experienced challenging weather conditions over the preceding 24 hours 15 foot seas and 30 knot winds as well as rain and lightning. Our flagging spirits were lifted by a call on the VHF from a passing cruise ship checking in on our welfare.
Although we told them that we were fine, the captain, a keen sailor, insisted on sending over a sea boat to take us in tow and return aboard with them for a hot meal. Mark, with fenders everywhere, was quite concerned that the tow line was long enough so that Jem would be in no danger.
The cruise ship, the Mermaid, was en route to Norway from the Caribbean. We were made very welcome given full use of the spa facilities to clean up before dining with the crew. We were offered herring and Red Erik beers.
Our thanks go out to Captain Lars Underdal and his all female crew.
On waking up this morning, weather conditions were much improved, our spirits were revived and it was almost as if our visit on the Mermaid was just a dream.
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