Luna Quest - Wednesday, 17th February, 2016

Noon Position: 12.16S 37.18W

Daily run: 109 logged miles

Since leaving Salvador we have run 128 miles. In our present position we are some 55 miles off the coast and well clear of any ill-intended locals. If we go much further out, we are likely to run into the Brazilian Current, which would slow our progress even further than it is already by the heavy easterly seas. We are on the starboard tack fighting a moderate easterly breeze. We expect to stay on this tack until some time next week when we should be able to change course north west, direction Caribbean.

We have received a report from Rally Control saying that the Fortaleza marina is no better than last year and that one should use it only for checking out of Brazil. As we did our clearances from Salvador, we have no need to go to there and are happy with our decision to head straight for Grenada.

As we sailed along the coast last night, we came across several fishermen, who were genuinely fishing from small craft and who showed no sign of any ill intent. However, we have been warned that further north, it may be different.

Eric