Challenger 4 - Challenger 4 Day Eight

It was the first Sunday of Advent…. almost Christmas really…..
So……..Amelia gave everyone a chocolate from her Christmas stash…yes she has opened her stocking.
We have hit some much milder conditions, in terms of wind and swell, which provided the crew with an opportunity for a wash and brush up after a reasonably hectic few days. A wonderfully quiet and sunny day today, after a much different evening that saw us surfing down the swells making 14.5 knots at one point (oooh Helen) and reefs going in just before midnight. The subsequent watches continued to face some further demanding conditions before the night was over. Remarkably nobody who was in their bunk fell out.
Both Bruce and Tony had their tackle out over the stern by the midday sun, hoping for a catch, which regrettably never came. Shame, because the whole crew were looking forward to a fish dinner. Much more time for luring fish we think. We also saw some flying fish today, with one springing on board with us tonight.
Down on Mother Watch ‘do nothing Dave’ sprang into action and made some bread (for which he provided a photography opportunity) whilst Alison, Paul and Tony trawled through preparing lunches and dinners fit for Columbus himself.
We all ended the day up on deck watching a beautiful sunset, followed by a spectacular lightening show, listening to music, drinking tea, and eating Amelia’s chocolates…yum…..shame you didn’t make it Columbus…would love to have seen you.