Sailing like this boat is supposed to sail. We have had a reef in the main since just after finding the SE Trade Wind at 2 degrees North, three days ago. The jib or the staysail have been rolled in or out alternately as the wind and sometimes the sea conditions require. Tonight we have the jib out but not fully. There is one wrap of a reef in it which makes a small difference but allows a little more comfortable, upright posture. We are not what you would call "close hauled" but very near that with the sheets eased just a couple of inches and the apparent wind 45 degrees off the port bow. This is almost the perfect wind for fast sailing for Threshold. That is true as long as it doesn't blow harder than about 15 true. With that much wind we will roll up the jib and unroll the staysail. That sail` doesn't have the drive of the jib, which is the whole idea, and we will slow down about a knot. Usually at that point the Captain starts to whine about how rough and unpleasant it is. Of course the crew do not want to hear that. They want more SPEED! Without too much complaining they assist and keep me happy. Everyone was pleased with our progress yesterday. Threshold covered 190 ATCF miles noon to noon,.despite a whining captain. Tonight our speed over ground is very consistently in 8.5 knot range. But I feel the waves getting larger and steeper out there in the pitch black. I'm not sure I will wait for the watch change to adjust down to the staysail.. Mark and John may have to come out of their stuffy bunk room to get some fresh sea air while lending a hand.

The question of the day> when you see a group of flying fish leap from the surface of the water and fly a great distance, are you watching a flock of fish? And speaking of flying fish....our cockpit can be a dangerous place at night. Another good sized, 10 inch beauty just hit the binnacle and fell to the deck flapping and flopping and smelling up the place. I must remind the guys be quick about it when they are outside looking for traffic.