SailBlog

33 23.97N/ 72 00.75W Monday June 30th We encountered more cargo ships last night. We had to contact one to clear our respective courses, but we managed to steer clear of the other ship but we did come within a half mile. The good news is that both our crew and the commercial crews were looking out for a safe passing. The evening was marked by 20 to 25 kts true wind with Sei Via Mare close hauled to gain ground to the south and away from the lower edge of the front. We loosened sails slightly and pinched as well in order to slow us down and keep it under 6kts as much as possible. We arrived at our waypoint at 6:45am today and hove-to. The boat is riding the waves very nicely with the seas increased to 7-10ft. Stopping our progress and heaving-to has allowed an opportunity to clean up and have a hot breakfast which was a welcomed treat beyond our normal cereal and power bars. We have changed plans as a group and will be leaving here soon to make our gulf stream entry point of 34 degress by 72 degrees in about 24hrs from departure. Onyx is the first to turn north to be followed by the remaining 4 vessels later this morning.