Yesterday was my slowest day so far. My noon-to-noon distance was only 85 miles for an average speed of 3.5 kts. The southeast trades have been very fickle so far, bringing calms and more squalls. I have decided to conserve diesel and use it for charging the batteries, if necessary, and maintaining a reserve for maneuvering near the coastline. Seven gallons, or about 12 hours running time, remains. I am in good shape and could even motor in a dead calm for 8 hours if I had to. As long as there is some wind, though, I prefer to sail. Besides, what's the hurry? I am now 330 miles from landfall so if I can manage to average 110 miles/day I will be there on Friday the 27th. in the morning. Even if I screamed along at 6 kts. I still would not make it in less than 3 days because I want to arrive in daylight.

This morning I saw a dolphin near the boat. That is the first sea life I have seen, aside from the odd flying fish and storm-petrel, for a week. Despite dragging 3 lures of various sizes and colors I am still eating chicken. The water temperature is 82 while the cabin is 85, not much change. Fortunately, it cools off at night and I sleep in the cockpit quite comfortably.

All else is well onboard.