Frank and I left Lagos at 6am Tuesday morning, and arrived here in La Corunna this morning at 11am, after three days and nights of sailing, plus five hours for luck! We had the best wind for the first half of the journey, and covered 250 miles under sail, then the engine went on and stayed on for 37 hours. 453 miles in all! We only had one dodgy moment, off Lisbon, when we were surrounded by loud wet and flashing thunderstorms. Frank reefed quickly while I helmed, and all was again under control!

We are taking a couple of days R and R here until John, the third crew member, addives tomorrow night. Then we are probably off early on Sunday morning, weather permitting, for the second hop top Plymouth.

My only comment is that this is a sharp reminder of how much colder the north is than the south, especially when sailing! Full thermals, oilies, fleece and fleece hat! Lovely!