GHOST

Well we've been given the weather for a good shake down "cruise" so that Heather, Caroline and Jay can to get used to the boat and helming and for us all to get into the swing of life at sea and the ocean motion. We've been getting some fairly rough weather. The sea state out here is rough to very rough with a good 5-7m swell running from the north, which left unchecked can be a little unforgiving. The wind has been a fairly constant 25-30 knots for the last couple of days with a couple of gusts of up to 40-45 last night. Last night was probably the worst of it from 6-10pm when it was pitch black before the moon came up. It really was like riding a rollercoaster in the dark,blindfolded... but with a deep reefed main and no headsail we've been doing OK.

Having said that, all involved are handling it well. Ghost is up to it. The crew have all adjusted admirably. We've now got a wee list of things to do in Las Palmas in the coming weeks to make life that little bit more comfortable. Things like reducing the movement of things in cupboards to reduce noise, a set of new coffee mugs are in order etc etc...nothing serious!

We've been checking in with other cruising mates on the SSB (long range radio) twice a day, it is nice to know that others are out there and looking out for each other.

Well by sunrise tomorrow (Sunday) we should be at anchor in a bay on the south side of Isla Graciosa. Hoping to enjoy a shower (although Kat and Caroline managed one yesterday morning before the wind picked up) and some much calmer sleep. Then we move south to Lanzarote and the final 100nm to Las Palmas on Tuesday or Wednesday.