When Zephyr flicks her tail, you need to be sure you are holding onto something because she can easily fling you across the boat if you are not paying attention. And that is what we have seen as a combination of swell, waves and a boat speed that has often exceeded 10kts has kept us all on our toes.

While rubbing some bruised part of my body, my admiration for the round the world race boat crews, who are averaging 30kts, went even higher as I tried to envisage the g-forces that they have to endure. Sunday ended up being a peaceful day, with limited squalls - although one was a real drencher over Lalo - and the daytime heat seriously oppressive.

We shook out the night's reef and coasted along for most of the day at around 7kt. Come the evening we reefed again in light of forecast thunderstorms, and this is coming to you as I enjoy my penultimate night watch before we arrive in Apia, Samoa tomorrow.

It has been a good passage and everyone on board has made a significant contribution to get us to the point of having just 100 miles to go. Zephyr is holding up well, bar the miscreant generator, and we hope to have lunch onshore if we can clear customs in time.

In 2000 miles we have not seen a single vessel (but the AIS did announce a cargo vessel in our vicinity); we have seen one set of dolphins, and a few birds have tried to land on the cross trees. Unlike the passage from LA to Hawaii, we have seen almost no debris, some spectacular sunsets and amazing views of the stars.

We are very fortunate to be able to enjoy such an extraordinary experience. Do hope that one or two of our readers will consider coming on the Fiji/ Vanuatu/ New Caledonia/ Sydney legs.