Hi Everybody, Not a lot to report. About a third the way to the Azores. Conditions so far have been OK, We've had some great sailing (our speed log recorded 11.1 knots)then no wind like now, when we're using up our precious diesel. Must leave some for the last stretch to the Azores. Can't afford to run out and miss the islands (its been done before). We have been struggling with a counter current for 3 days. Where has the Gulf stream gone? The brochure always lies. We have dolphins swimming with us this grey morning, but can't get excited - seen so many. Why are they so happy jumping - have they not heard there's a gale lying in wait 2/3 days ahead. Yes, just got the news last night. This one coming off the Azores high being compressed by a pesky low. Looks like no way of avoiding it. Thought we had done our stint of gales. We will try edging north - may help to miss the worst of it - don't know. Life not that glamorous aboard. Now struggling in and out of our wet gear and life jackets and harnesses. Going to the loo is a major exercise in a rolling boat. Bruises everywhere. Getting colder and damper. Mel's taken to sleeping on the floor, me on the saloon couch with lee-clothes. Paul bounces around in the forecabin, aka known in most boats as the washing machine bunk! Steve on the other couch. Foods been good thanks to Mel and crew. Many variations on curry. At times the ocean is beautiful - Guess I should be doing yoga on the foredeck meditating with the dolphins.(I always thought Moitessier was nutter). Guess I'm not a true ocean sailor - I just want to get there safe and sound. There are times when the BA schedule looks very attractive. I've sailed and skippered over 25,000 miles, sailed to the Med twice, crossed the Atlantic twice (hope I'm not being premature), but I often feel like a novice. By the way Samji did win the first prize at the ARC prize giving in Bermuda. Well actually it was THE first prize they gave out, to be precise - for the best photography, not sailing. Must go now for a wash and brush up. More bruises and a clean T shirt after 5 days. I do hope they have showers in the Azores. Luv, Phil What a cynic salty phil is beginning to sound - I was overjoyed this morning with the dolphins when they appeared towards the end of my watch, first ones we've seen in the Atlantic this time, AND they had baby dolphins with them as well, NEVER seen that before! As our fleet are all spreading out, its nice to see something! Had worried that we'd be on the route of tankers going w-e, e-w, but so far none seen, so really not that much to look at! Food yes is good on Samji, nice to have others doing some stuff, but as most of you know, phil and I are bordering on, if not already there, on how anal we are about the boat and its cleanliness, have already run out of vinegar, have no idea what I'll do next time a certain someone pours dirty cooking oil down the sink. Also I think that these days everyone has dishwashers, so the art/skill/finesse of washing up manually in the tiniest amount of water seems to be beyond some. Did that sound really bad? Oh well, I'm trying my best - and for all of you that I hope might come to play with us in the Med, don't be put off by these comments, i'm totally aware that I am loopy, its just there's not much going on, so you do start to fixate on little things! So yes that's about all really, its being a wimberly wobberly ride, but hey that's the ocean for you! Hope that you are all having fun wherever you are, sending tons of love mel xxxx

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