Good news! After three days of floating relatively aimlessly, the wind filled in somewhat last night and we're now averaging 6-6.5 knots boatspeed once again. We may make it across after all prior to running out of food (the beer is already gone but the captain reassures us that we have plenty rum). The plan is still to run SW until the vicinity of the Cape Verde Islands and then the follow the wind as it clocks us to the west. That way, hopefully, we'll be able to avoid the currently light and adverse
wind conditions situated over the "more usual" route.

Basil tree report: the patient is stable although intensive monitoring continues. No new limbs have arisen but the existing ones appear vital and strong. More later.

Last night filled us with a sumptuous artichoke, chicken and chorizo paella a la Svenska (Robin cooked it to our communal awe) and fresh vegetable salad. We actually caught a mahi mahi this AM at sunrise but ultimately returned it to the deep on account of its size. Perhaps another lucky cruiser will get to sample it some other time. The lines remain astern, however, and we're always in search of big game.

The movie report: we continue with our nightly screening of the "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" trilogy (mindless violence and much discussion about what's actually happening) but are planning for a brief change this evening for the mandatory screening of "Captain Ron". Some movies never grow old, apparently, or maybe it's that some crews never grow up. Furthermore, this will provide cultural enrichment for those members of the crew unaware of this cinematic gem.

Fair Winds...