The wind dropped below 7 knots as predicted and we slowed down to almost 5 knots so we started the engine at 0400 Monday morning and have been motor sailing at 8 to 9 knots all day. Time to charge the batteries and do a load of wash. The seas are almost flat with a long low swell. Very comfortable.

We made 162 miles the last 24 hours well below our average of 200, light winds. We have 1700 miles to go. The wind is predicted to be lighter than we'd like for the next several days. We will be very comfortable but we will stay below our average 200 m/day unless we decide to motor more. We had about 370 gallons of diesel when we left. That's a lot for a cruising boat. Enough to motor when we need to.

Sally-Christine got the fishing line out and rigged yesterday. No fish have been lucky enough to find the lure and our galley though. With the exception of a lone tern that flew by we have seen no birds since leaving the Canaries. SC and KH witnessed a spectacular green flash last night! They really do exist but the conditions need to be just right. Usually sun setting over water with a clear sky. And of course one has to be looking at the right time. RR