Hello Everyone.

Just this morning we dropped off the coastal shelf and we are now sailing in 3000 feet of water! We logged over 150 miles in the first day, but this morning the wind is lighter, and the swells larger. We remain optimistic that NOAA will send us news of good breezes yet to come. Our course is currently 118, which should put us slightly south of the Grand Banks, and hopefully in warmer waters.

We have begun to settle into patterns and routines. As my stomach adjusts to the constant motion, I now face our ominous load of ever-aging food. We have 5 dozen eggs and many cabbages to go. The Pepperidge Farm cookies are abounding.

After today we will have completed a full three day watch rotation. The cycle has four hour shifts during the day, and three long hours at night. The 'Monitor' windvane's accuracy exceeds the steering ability of all three crew members (sorry Pat). Free from the tiller, we can move about and make adjustments with ease. I spend my long nighttime hours staying marginally warm, half awake and always alert for the fishing boats, phantom whales, and the rumored stowaway.

All else is well, my reading alternates between two encyclopedic texts: Cervantes' 'Don Quixote' and Nigel Calder's 'Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual.' As of now all systems are go, but there is always more systems to explore, break and fix.

I hope this entry finds everyone well. If you would like to email us, our address is flashofbeauty@ocens.net. Please keep emails short due to satellite transmission.

Best Wishes to All,

Rachel, Tom and Patrick

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Flash of Beauty left Camden Wednesday afternoon for he second time after turning back on Sunday night due battery problems. On our first departure, we had all the emotion and drama of saying goodby to family and friends at the dock, horns and cannons blasting, boat escorts, and flags waving. For the second start, we just left with Lucy Amory and Tom Babbit waving. The batteries were charged at 16 volts until they got to 100 degrees to desulfate them. Many thanks to Wayarer, Jeff Z and Scott Rocknak for the use of their chragers and their advice.

Since this is my first blog entry, I must thank many othes. First Mary, for helping prepare for this voyage and her support. Thanks to Alice, Lucy, and Ralphie for all their food purchases and prep. The boat left fully ladden I can assure you. Thanks to Chris and Stacey for a great bon voyage party. And thanks to all of you who came to the party to wish us well. You all are with us on this voyage. Best wishes, Tom, Rachel, and Pat

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Hi Everyone,

The Flash is docked at Wayfarer, where the staff has generously given us space on the fuel dock for the day. We are almost ready to depart. Sails and rigging are set, the dinghy is stowed bellow, and we are slowly finding a home for all the mountains of other gear. The food is now on board, with the exception of our four dozen eggs and other fresh goods. We hope to leave tomorrow, weather permitting. If all goes as plans we will cast off at 2:30 and leave the Gulf of Maine with the tide behind us.

In the meantime we eagerly anticipate farewells and a final night on tera firma. Thanks to everyone for all the indispensable generosity and help!!!

- FOB

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