Frenetic start yesterday with hundreds of goodbyes to loads of new and old friends. A flash of boobies to the boys on "Open Blue" and hard charging to the start line. Fabulous conditions for quick and close "cruising\racing" as we wend our way through the throng of other ARC boats. Fabiola is charging hard. New speed record was broken by Vince of 16 knots over the ground. The entire crew are loving the proximately of other boats and delighted to finally be off. As we head down the coast of Gran Canaria and into the acceleration zone the wind picked up and we reef the main and genoa. The testing condition's continue so the watches run 2 on watch of four hours on and two hours off, but driving the boat in these conditions is definitely the way forward. This morning as the sun rises weary eyes are re-generated with a fruit rich breakfast and the chance to lighten the grocer's load.
The fishing line pulls in its first bonito which was quickly inebriated, decapitated and seared in a hot pan - this is what Atlantic Rallying is all about.
Track our progress on the ARC website, via the yellow brick.