Since this afternoon, I am 'off' the last chart that only had North America on it. This was a large scale chart of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. But now, being to the east of 41W, the only chart I have where I can plot my position on is "Atlantic Ocean, Northern part". On this chart the daily runs are only a few cm long, so this chart is not very motivating to navigate on. However, having just plotted on this chart my daily runs for this return trip so far, I am already over one third of the distance. Furthermore, if we can continue this pace, it will be the day after tomorrow that I am on the other side of the chart, that is, the side with Europe on it. Then you really develop a feeling of getting closer every day.

Today we have sailed flat out, all day. Perfect conditions, with a WNW breeze of 15 to 20 knots, a pooled out jib and 1 reef in the main. Easy sailing, but so far have averaged over 7.5 today! The counter current of the last few days is definitely gone!

But conditions are not likely to stay as they are now. Tomorrow we will have a high pressure system right over our heads, which means no wind... But after that, another low is coming up, promising more westerlies. Just what we need!

Bart

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