Last night was one wild ride for 9-1/2 hours! Wind picked up to 14-16 just off our nose so up went the main/jib. Unfortunately the seas built up as well and had a strong beam cross sea. The ride was the rolliest/worst of the voyage so far and reminiscent of confused seas and the wild rides I get in my monohull at times! But we made good speed at 9 knots so we grinned and beared it! :) At 4 am the winds died down so we put the sails away and started up the engine again.... the seas diminished too, thank heaven! Thursday am is back to peaceful times again: mild seas, light wind, chute up again and winds dead astern. Not making fast speeds, 5-6 knots, but I think the crew is all enjoying the respite after last nights' sleigh ride! They're all dozing as I type! Saw a ship today, first one in a few days and provided brief distraction from endless waves rolling by! BBQ'd filet mignon tonight for dinner; I could get used to meals like this! One advantage of a huge freezer onboard.... 455 nm till Rio