Rhumb - Day 6 - A quiet one at last

After the hiatus of the first 3 days, we can now report much more settled conditions, although it has gone from the ridiculous to the sublime, and seriously hampering progress generally.

A very quiet day for us all, and much needed after much banging and flogging in the sails and rigging as a result of winds dropping to 12kn. We all so wish for a good full nights sleep, apart from Roger who seems to be able to sleep anywhere, anytime. I think myself and Tweetie can only muster around 12 hours between us for the whole trip so far.

Today we had thought about doing some fishing, but after depleting the Atlantic fish stocks with our flying fish yesterday, we have opted for a beet stroganoff with all the trimmings (peas). Lunch was a mix of smoked salmon sarnies, with a nice mixed salad followed by fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and honey, so we are doing well on the

The quietness of today also brought out a more considered air to our musings, where we discussed at great lengths whether Cadbury's chocolate was something to be sucked or munched. Tweetie and yours truly opting for a touch of delayed gratification, thus termed the 'suckers', whereas Brian opted for the munch bunch, meaning he could just eat more. we then moved on to Maltesers before boring ourselves silly.

I am sitting writing this at around 5.20 GMT with the sun still a way to go before it sets, and the Atlantic is a picture of tranquility. Sadly though, having expected to have seen some wildlife, we have just spotted some Storm Petrels at odd times. For those in the know though, one important sighting was that of Spongebob making his first appearance on deck this morning.

Something else for those in the know, we are keeping an eye on Ocean Wanderer with Roy (a sailing buddy) on board; Sea Symphony also, with friends of friends, and finally or two neighbours from the marina in Las Palmas, who we struck up a good friendship whilst our boats were made ready - Nina and White Cliffs. Nina will be carrying on round the world after the ARC. Judging by progress in general, it looks like we are doing OK at the moment. Oh, and lastly, as a result of the quiet conditions, we were able to get the prop. shaft brake working today, which according to the prop. makers should give us a bit more pace - we'll see!!

Rhumb over - N22.13; W26.04

PS - Dolphins ahoy - a pod has just come alongside as this log was being closed - a fab end to the day.