39:35.29N 38:21.76W

Yesterday we configured a weather plan based upon the latest download from Predict Wind. We would sail overnight north to 39 degrees 40 minutes North so as to make the most of the favourable winds to the north. Once at this level we would make a direct approach Horta and sail as much on the winds as we could. Once the dissipated which I estimated would be late Friday night or early Saturday morning then we would motor till the approach which looked like about a day and a half of motoring. Not ideal but the most expedient plan.

At the moment we are in stage 2 which is very pleasant sailing downwind with the Tradewind sail poled out to starboard and making about 6-7 knots feeling pretty smug as much of the fleet to the south is either becalmed or enjoying very little wind but we will join them soon when our wind dies too but for the moment enjoying the advantage and hopefully will move us up a couple of places.

The big disaster of the day is the Starlink, as we were attaching the boom to the downwind sail I managed to knock it off it’s stand on deck and whoops it went over the side in a mad panic I grabbed the cable to save it and pull back on board but it had already been for a leisurely swim so when I tried to reconnect it nothing??? I tried drying the connections and then applying some WD40 and finally using a hair dryer to try and try out the connections but alas no joy which is a real shame, Anyway I’m back to the old system which will allow me weather update and emails but little else so limited internet. Will have to think of a solution when I arrive in Horta but I expect it will involve a new unit!!

Today at 5pm we registered 459 miles to go so I’m thinking if we can make 150 miles per day then we may get into Horta Monday evening in time for a little celebration. Here’s hoping.