Skyelark of London -

Yesterday Wind dropped late afternoon to almost nothing, sails flopping and Skyelark rolling heavily and uncomfortably. We tried for several hours to find the wind but no luck, so skipper started the engine to find more wind elsewhere. It turned out that a front was about to pass us and it did. Lots of rain and the wind was building again. When night came it was raining cats and dogs and wind up to 20-24 knots gusting 30-32. Not nice. As morning rose it finally cleared up and the rain stopped leaving a very tired and wet crew. Midday the sun was shining full on again and we still have some nice wind making sailing absolutely enjoyable.

We are making good speed toward Saint Lucia and have less than 900 miles left, crew are starting to talk about all the things they will do going to  land, such as having beers etc. For me personally I am looking forward to seeing my girlfriend. Highlight of today was a big pod of minkie whales playing around Skyelark for an hour, there must have been at least 40-50 of them. Skipper on the other hand was a little more concerned with them hitting the boat especially the rudder and decided to start the engine to let them know we are a boat not a toy to rub up against. Another yacht lost its rudder just that way two day earlier.