Atlantic Blog #5 - Friday 28th November 2014

Today was characterised by strong NW winds gusting to 30 knots.  Consequently, we were sailing with 2 reefs in the main and the genoa, and sailing nicely at a steady 7+ knots.  We have been able to average 155 miles each day, with 2027 miles to St Lucia.  As I write we have covered 767 miles so far and are positioned about 300 miles to the north of the Cape Verde Islands.  Batteries have been a cause for much deep thinking as we cannot trace what appears to be a rogue discharge from the house batteries.  We are conserving as much power as we can, so continue a 24 hour manual helm.  Good for the sailing soul!  Huge highlights of the day came from the kitchen.  Tanya's chocolate fudge brownie, AND, her stew and mustard dumplings are to die for.  Deb kept up the standard with baked bread which looks and feels fantastic.  Danny and Johnny just looked on, salivating.  Role on breakfast when we will at last be allowed to taste it.  We are promised lighter winds and moving from NW to NE in the next 24-36 hours.  It will be a welcome break from the pounding of the swell on the starboard sides of Laros.  No doubt we will be wishing for stronger winds in 2 or 3 days!