This is a good place to be in October

it is sunny with temperatures around 25C.

Everyone is enjoying themselves in one way or another; some read, others somehow can't seem to get away from their laptops, while some of us do nothing. Graham however is regularly busy in the galley preparing lunch or dinner something which is greatly appreciated by all on board.

Yesterday we spent the day in Cascais after a hot shower and having cleaned the boat.

All of us appreciated the hospitality at the Beefeater bar and enjoyed several beers sitting out in the sun.

Today started very promisingly with 20 knots of wind from the East. We all set off for Lisbon to start our race to Vilamoura. The great sailing weather looked as if it would hold. We hoisted the stay sail and later even got the spinnaker up.

This fun lasted until we reached Cabo Espichel, about 16 miles south of Lisbon. Here the wind disapeared completely so we had to stop rhe race and declared Juno who had followed a course closer to shore the winner.

At the moment we are motoring 30 miles south of Lisbon hoping that the wind will pick up again.

Love to all our family and friends back home - thanks for all the messages.

Gerard Mulder