It seemed that the Grand Bank rather see me leaving than coming; Yesterday morning it took hours to cover the last few miles to reach the Banks, but once over it, the swell died out and a stiff northerly wind came up. I've been sailing absolutely flat out since, and now am almost on the western edge of the banks, where the water depth goes up again from some dozen meters to over 4 kilometer.

It's still cold here, about 6 degrees, but no fog thanks to the northerly wind. Inside the cabin it's warm and dry (at last!), thanks to my brilliant Aladdin paraffin lamp, which has been burning since we came out of the gale the day before yesterday (feels like 3 weeks ago). It makes such a difference, when it's so comfortable inside!

Now I am very pleased to see that JanKees Lampe, on La Promesse, is about to finish tomorrow. He'll have the record! And I was also pleased to see, this morning, that both other Dutch competitors are behind me when measured in 'distance to finish'. Both are supposed to be much faster, and it really motivates me to give it all. I doubt, however, how long this situation will last as I expect both, but especially Dick Koopmans, to accelerate over the next few days. I still have 890 miles to go, still a long way!

Bart

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