Without counting chickens etc… the number of days remaining in this voyage should be getting fairly low. We are beginning to realise that some of the truly stunning things that we start to take for granted out here will end soon. Last night’s sunset was a real treat, as was today’s sunrise. Every day we take photos of both hoping that some will not be too blurred. Taking photos from a moving boat at dusk or dawn is not very easy. The starry sky last night was crystal clear and bright. This morning we were greeted by a big bird diving for its breakfast around us â€�" it was a bit like a gannet but with dark colours. Note to self â€�" bring Atlantic bird ID book on next trip.

The last 24 hours have been better than expected, progress-wise. We thought the wind might be dropping off a bit but it held through the night and into the morning and we still have reasonable speed. We are expecting a bit of a drop in the wind soon so every fast mile west is a good mile just now.

Happy hour featured rummy, over a good musical session with Eric Clapton and JJ Cale. Supper last night was kedgeree of Atlantic Peto �" delicious (and the end of the Peto). Fishing operations are now permanently stopped, based on the amount of food we still have to consume.

Our early morning entertainment was a bit of wind and two rain squalls in quick succession, which had us on deck in our night clothes or underwear reefing or just generally getting soaking wet. Ahh the fun we have on Barracuda…. At least this time the wind just sent us flying in the right direction. Bibi again confirmed that the best (but extremely responsible) job during squall management is Radar Operator (down below, warm, dry and cosy). After the squall G then tried reaching until reverting to goose winged running, much to the amusement of those trying to sleep below (right underneath the grinding winches, clacking tethers, stomping feet and thrashing lines) who knew it was a hiding to nothing.

Fresh bread making is under way, and so another day on Barracuda progresses.

Distance run in the last 24 hours: 149 nautical miles

Cumulative distance run since ARC start: 2,783 nautical miles