Prior to making our Biscay crossing I thought it would be prudent to set up (as opposed to lash up) our third reef option. Ropes were hauled out the boom, reconfigured, replaced and re-run such that we now have a fully functioning 3 reef system. Previously, it was a bit of a lash up that would have required a lot of dancing around the deck and when its blowing hard enough to need a 3rd reef you don't want to be dancin' on the deck.

After sunning ourselves in Baiona, waiting on a succession of storms to pass up our planned routet we prepared to leave. Before doing so, we hoisted the main and tested our 3rd reef. Absolutely perfect so off we went in the blazing sun planning to hang on to the coat tails of the preceding gales.

Typically, after 3 hours of good progress, there we were off Finisterre, (or it could have been the Cock of Arran), flopping around in no wind. Not a breath. Nothing! Putting that reef in was testing the wind gods!

Anyway, today we've had a great sail. Just 4-5 knots overnight in light breeze but with the dawn came a fresher breeze and we're back up to 7 and 8 knots. Its blown 20-25 F6 all day and now, 6pm ish its risen to 30 so we've a few rolls in the genny and the first reef is in. Still doing 8+ knots.

Dawn today brought dozens of dolphins, returning to us after giving us a night time display as they dashed around leaving the phosphorescent trails. Its no wonder I can't catch any fish. The dolphins must eat them all.

The dolphins also brought their big pal, Willie the Whale.

Watching the dolphins I'd seen a big splash, looked again and this huge whale surfaced and dived 100 yards from us. He then did a 90 degree turn, surfaced and dived right in front of us. Spectacular and where's the liferaft!!!!

Setting up for the night now. Reefs in, dinner on the stove and Al Stewart on the stereo. Life's good.

S+A