We continue to enjoy spectacular weather.  Winds are steady and from the right direction.. Fair winds and following seas indeed.  We had incredible sailing overnight, with 13-16 knots of wind.  Effortless and smooth.  We crossed the Nantucket shipping channels at midnight and had to steer around some big fellas, no problem.  Phosphorescent dolphin sighting on the 2-5 am watch. Late in the afternoon, having established ourselves in the cobalt waters of the Gulf Stream, and after fighting a contrary eddy current for 4 hours, we bore off to a new heading of 105 degrees. Then how we flew!  Winds kicked up to 25-28 knots, and we were broad reaching (which even my wife likes) at 10 knots. We put a reef in the main and still steamed along. We saw 13.5 knots surfing a wave.  This is sailing.

We have a 24-hour watch schedule broken into 3 four-hour watches during the day and 4 three-hour watches at night.  Two people sit watch at all times; one watch captain and one watch mate.  One crew (yay!) is wonderful full time cook.  Every 8 am- noon watch is a single.  This schedule ensures the watch captains get three off watches to rest and also effects a social rotation among the crew.  Night watches move each night so the 2-5am watch occurs only once every four days for any watch captain.  Working so far!

Before we changed course we were heeled over and it was a bit lumpy.  Just getting dressed for a night watch in these conditions is a challenge.  Every time you pick up a leg to put on pants the boat heels a bit harder and you slip, bump , and catch yourself.  It is actually pretty good exercise.  My particular cabin adds to this challenge as I am on the starboard (uphill) side with nothing to lean on.   Every cabinet opens downhill and empties its contents whenever opened. Add to this the 50-pound bag of apples and oranges swinging wildly and you begin to see the fun of it.

We appreciate all of your well-wishes!  Time for dinner!