Another beautiful day

Dawn with 30 knots on the nose feels so different with a clear , dry sky! And now it's cloudless, wind has eased and veered. We're aiming for a Scilly stop, ETA early Saturday morning.

Spirits are high

Western approaches

We're making good progress. It has been a windy and bouncy night. We're heading into F 6 wind at the moment which should reduce soon for a gentler ride. This sun is rising dead ahead and everything seems a lot easier in daylight. We have 2 reefs in the main and the small staysail jib, and the helm is nicely balanced. But I did just spill my cup of tea - moving around the boat is challenging!

The ship Queen Mary is passing a few miles ahead, from New York to Southampton. Other huge cargo ships are also in the offing, but clear of us.

Life at an angle

Fresh easterlies today are keeping us close hauled, and we are getting used to life on an angle. The magnetic chess board comes into its own.

The wind is forecast to ease and veer tomorrow which should help us point more in the right direction.

Over half way home

Another day of beautiful conditions today, after a quiet night under engine with very little wind. The nights are getting shorter as we head north and the twilight expands.

The fishing line is out, admittedly in 

a little more hope than expectation.

We have identified the seabirds that have checked up on us throughout the trip as Cory's shearwaters.

We are sailing close to the wind today, and have deployed both the genoa and the staysail to catch the light airs. We expect we'll need to put in a tack or two as the wind freshens and veers over the next 24 hours.

Birthday celebrations

I was treated to a wonderful birthday of surprises. What a way to celebrate

Sunday's sunset

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.