So, we decided we were getting pushed too far north yesterday running goose-winged (genoa and main, one sail out each side). You can't run dead down wind like that, which is really what we would like to do to make our course. So we changed our sail- plan, taking our main sail down and putting up a stay sail (another jib) on the port side to balance our reefed, poled-out genoa on starboard. We also lifted our centreboard (a relatively unique OVNI feature) which means that we can now just point dead down wind and run down with the waves. Wind speeds are about 25-30 kts from the east, but we have seen gusts up to 42 kts in one squall. Wave heights are about 10-15 feet. Our highest boat speed (surfing down a wave) was 13 kts (did not know Barracuda could go that fast). And the wind pilot is gently steering us on westwards.

We are enjoying chatting to other boats on the SSB radio in the past we have only had VHF radio which has a range of perhaps 10-15 miles. Now with the SSB we can talk over hundreds or even thousands of miles. There is a World ARC Rally group check in each morning and evening when people report their positions and comment on what winds they are getting, so you get a sense for where the fleet are and how they (and we) are doing. Feels like a proper rally!

Much better sleep for the crew of the good ship last night, as we all start to settle in to life at sea.

Nautical miles run in last 24 hours (midday to midday) 157 (compared with 163 day before)