28 1400UT July 09 St Vincent 789 miles.
The night provided fast downwind sailing under a clear star filled sky. The
seas became quite lively this morning and winds increased, gusting up to 28
knots but we have a double reefed mainsail, staysail and 50% furled Genoa in
use and the boat is very comfortable with this set-up, which also offers a
wide operating window without need for further changes and is thus perfect
for short handed passage making. The wind is due (according to GRIB) to
veer and ease later this evening. We are pleased with progress, having
covered 134 miles noon to noon since slipping from Horta and the initial
stages were very slow.
Paul saw 2 pilot whales during the morning watch, quite close to the boat.
During the middle watch, Andy encountered 7 yachts within an hour, all hard
on the wind heading towards the islands and presumably racing. We had
right of way anyway but only 1 had to alter course for us. Since then there
have been no vessels of any kind in sight.
The sun is shining but temperatures are moderate, so it is quite pleasant
being on watch. Paul produced bacon and scrambled eggs at midday, which
went down very well.
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