Hot Stuff - day 11. bella - kite flying

We are flying our spinnaker! Adorned with two concentric hearts it is leading the way to St Lucia. It feels so good to be heading west after so many days following the coast of Africa as Lizzy skilfully dodged storms and wind holes.

The spinnaker was hoisted for the first time today at 7am. Lizzy ran through the procedure before hand, our concentration levels being severely tested by a pod of dolphins playing on our port side. Despite our inexperience the hoist seemed to go smoothly - everyone working together, grinding or easing the numerous lines as instructed to do so.

I took my turn at the helm in the blazing sun and after one hour of concentrating on keeping it filled, despite the series of large rolling waves determined to knock me off course I was ready to find respite in the relative cool of the cabin.

Eating my lunch on the cabin roof I was entertained by flying fish. These little fish are surprisingly speedy - darting over and between the waves. Luckily no close encounters this time, they can deliver quite a punch as I discovered a couple of nights ago!

With 1800nm to go there has been much speculation as to our arrival date. I'm guessing 11th December. There has also been discussions of what we will do when we first reach land, for me it will be a shower!

Nearly time for me to go back on watch, head torch already a necessity. I'm missing everyone back home - hope all is well and lots of love to you all, Bella.