The wind arrived today. Slowly, at first, and increasing steadily, with building seas. Now the wind is right on our starboard quarter. We are flying at 6-7 knots under a deeply reefed mainsail, staysail, and a bit of jib. Seas are 4-8 feet, beginning to break. Airnold, as the boys have named our wind vane, seems to be on top of it, keeping us on course (we call it the rhumb line) for Kinsale. (And yes, they have also named the electronic autopilot "Herman".) Commanders' Weather sent a bulletin an hour or two that it we should expect a windy night. We're as ready as we can be. We're now almost 3,000 miles into this wonderful adventure, and I am in awe of the folks who have gone before us and have figured out how to design and build boats and gear that can bring us safely across oceans. Margalo rides up and over big, breaking, swells, without any fuss. Our mast, rigging, and sails have performed magnificently. The multitude other of systems on this little 37 foot craft have been reliable and a source of safety and comfort. But you're not truly safe until you are standing in the parking lot. We know that and still wear harnesses, tethers, and snap in, always. And wrestle over the best and safest sail plan. A word of praise is in order for the two young men who inspired this trip, and who have been simply wonderful crew. In over 3,000 miles, they have each always pulled their weight. I have never been relieved late from a night watch, not even once. And they are great company. What a gift! Tonight we had our last bottle of wine, listened to Rodney Crowell, Emmy Lou, and Guy Clark (thank you Bill and Teresa), enjoyed a great dinner cooked by Owen. It's going to be over soon. It has been a blast. PS I apologize for the missing blogs over the past few days. I wrote and submitted them, but it seems that SailBlogs had some problems. Not much we can do from out here.....