The inevitable forecast finally arrived. The ABNT20.KNHC Tropical Weather Outlook has to read:
"Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days." for us to leave port in an at-risk
area. Today this forecast changed to: "A tropical wave located over the eastern tropical Atlantic is
producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions could become conducive
for gradual development of this system by early next week as the disturbance moves westward at
around 15 mph over the tropical Atlantic.". No concern for this voyage, if all goes well, we're coming up
on the western tip of Cuba and expect to be home in the Keys by late Sunday. The disturbance will
probably hit the windward islands (the eastern Caribbean) Tuesday with a 60% chance of development
over the next 5 days. Regardless, the words "tropical disturbance" raise the hair on the neck of any
downwind mariner, especially with a 60% development chance.

Thursday night was more flat motoring. The wind was so light and variable that we could not find a
happy place for the jib so we put it up. There were some rain showers on the radar but none came after
us. We passed Misteriosa Bank in the night. It was so calm we could have anchored there in 40 feet of
water out in the middle of the Caribbean Sea with nothing visible but water all around. About 15 miles
East of Misteriosa is a little unnamed sea mount that rises to 59 feet deep, so we threaded the needle.
The depth between the two is over 8,000 feet. Think about two 8,000 foot high mountains only 15 miles
apart, on land. The sea floor is topographically amazing.

The moon came up at about 3AM. It was about 25% waning and the two horns of the crescent rose first
clearly visible. It looked like two lights on a vessel heading at us, so big and bright as to appear not far
off. At three in the morning this can give you a start. Nothing on radar? Oh, it's the moon...

After a mostly quiet night we woke up to a flat sea. Swim trunks and bucket showers all around, we
made coffee and started listening to Jeff's collection of XPN2021 Greatest Albums of all Time
Countdown. We were playing albums from the 70's and Montrose Montrose came on, so good. Greg
Allman, Iggy & the Stooges, fun stuff.

The becalmed nature of our 400 mile run to Cuba has got us watching fuel carefully. We're looking good
and revving up the diesel (running the starboard today) to 2200 rpm to stay on our 7+ knot speed target.
With luck we will arrive late Sunday, 48 hours from now.

It was a day of no wind, beautiful endless mirrored seas and lots of flying fish and Sargasso. After some
work around the boat we made a nice gnocchi dinner and watched an amazing sunset. It could only be
more magical if we were sailing.