Ydalir II - Ydalir cross Atlantic day 1

14.40 UTC Position N16’48 W27’09
Finally we were able to have formal ARCplus start, with majority of participants. A smaller group left the day before and decided not to await the severly delayed Covid-19 pcr tests.
15.00 Cap Verde time, 16.00 UTC we crossed the starting line, after warm and somewhat emotional farewell hugs and fair wind wishes between the fleet crews and from all our new Cape Verdian friends in Marina Mindelo. Good winds execpt for a couple hours around 21.00 in the evening when we decided you use our engine for 60 minutes. Now we are sailing in warm winds, ca 15-20 knots from north east, making 6-7 knots SOG. Our Hydrovane Windrudder is steering with a steay hand, sea is friendly and crew relaxed. We still see a couple of the other yachts on the AIS and here them on VHF. Wind forecast locks good, little stronger in somewhat more easterly from late tomorrow or the after. All well onboard