Day 2

What a great start to the season! I am writing this as I finish my coffee. FALKEN is doing 8.5 knots, and the wind is coming nicely from the beam while the sun is shining on deck. To say this trip has not been what I was expecting weather-wise is an understatement. For most of the way down, we have been going upwind with very fluky winds, and progress hasn’t always been great—a big difference compared to last year’s trip to the Canaries, where Chris and Emma flew all the way down in just three days (or at least that’s what he told me)! But the crew have been doing an amazing job keeping FALKEN moving through the light winds and now finding these beautiful northwesterly winds.

FALKEN has been doing great, and apart from the odd job here and there—normal after a yard period—she has to be in the best shape I have ever seen her after a winter break. Kudos to Adam for looking after her and making the improvements we get to enjoy.

On a more personal note, this trip has been brilliant. We left with plenty of time to get there, and it has meant that we have been able to stop and enjoy the surroundings more often, trying to sail through the light winds instead of motoring through them, and having the chance to go for ocean swims, which is always a highlight.

We will let you know how we get on. Signing off as dolphins approach.

Alex