Since that night of fair winds and good food, the trade winds abandoned us, and we had overcast skies, rain showers and very light winds, sometimes calm. It was as if the doldrums were trying to suck us back in. There was also fairly large, southerly swells spaced very closely together. Two days and nights we struggled to keep the boat moving, always trying to get south, back in to the tradewinds. Yesterday dawned with continuous rain after it had been threatening all night. At least it wa a good opportunity to get some washing done, as we have no fresh water to spare for that luxury. The sun came out to help dry, but the wind deserted altogether for a few hours and we had to endure the sails slatting back and forth in the swell. We lowered all sail for a while but then the rolling was worse. Finally a slight breeze stirred. Enough to stop the boat rolling so much, but still annoyingly slatting. We just knew, all we had to do was wait, and the wind would come, eventually. Slowly, slowly, the breeze filled. The spinnaker was set and managed to just keep us moving at three knots. Progress had been slower than anticipated, just under 100 miles per day so far, what with calms and some to-ing and fro-ing, trying to find wind. By sundown we were starting to sail nicely and by midnight, the sky was clear and a lovely 12 not breeze was bowling us along the moon-sparkled sea. Morning now and the sun is out, trade wind clouds are back, scooting along at 6 knots. Let's hope it holds.

Finally seem to have our email access sorted out so we can post to the blog, friends and family. Finished all the tuna, so it's back to fishing again. Have been using the small flying fish that land on deck during the night but so far plenty of takers but nothing brought back on deck. Have also started listening in to the radio net on the SSB. Good to hear news from some of the other boats making the journey at the same time. reception is a bit hit and miss, and also transmitting, but we can get some response.

James and Isabelle, over and out.