Beam reach

If I could choose the best conditions,  this would be it. Today we have had a constant 15-20 knots on the beam; flat seas, and just the right amount of sunshine. 

Added to which, 3 majestic blowing whales (fin whales, Rob reckons) passed our wake comfortably astern. Dolphins have popped over to play briefly, and the occasional petrel has soared by, wingtips skimming the wave crests.

It all makes for a happy and well rested crew. 

The daily cockpit plank is getting longer, and those who dare, do it head down to leeward. Others don't!

Tomorrow is decision day regarding the best route. So far the kind winds of the last few days have helped us to progress directly for Salcombe, our destination.  The pressure systems are due to change, and we'll use tomorrow's forecast to plan the best way forwards.

Sunset and dawn

It's been a beautiful moonlit light. Treated to a beam reach in slight seas, Tintin's making great progress. 

We are happily getting into the swing of our watches/naps/life on board.

The fishing lines will be out soon as we approach the end of our fridge based meal supplies from Terceira. 

Hoping for tuna....

A beautiful day

Force 3 and a fine reach, freshly baked bread and sunshine. This is more like it!

Saturday afternoon on board

Dolphins and the dawn

Yesterday evening we were visited by dolphins again, playing at the bow.

It has been a quiet night- apart from the engine- and now dawn is breaking, with the promise of some gentle sailable breeze on the starboard bow.

Day 2 in the Azores High

The barometer is gently rising as we make our way NE from Terceira. The engine has been on since yesterday lunchtime because what little wind there is, is coming from where we want to go!

The crew are settling into their watch pattern. Here's Moss and Rob enjoying our first sunshine of the trip.

Last night was uneventful.  Our speed over the ground varied from 5 to 6.5 knots depending on whether we has current with us or against.  The surface currents look simple ond obvious in a book (see below) but in reality they're much more complex! 

All set and Salcombe bound

We have slipped our lines, and the GPS is programmed for Salcombe. It's a lovely gentle start to the morning as we run downwind along the southern shore of Terceira

1213 nM to go!