Halfway House 13 Nov

The Minervas celebrated only 1000 miles to go last night at the grand HALFWAY cocktail party. Surprise celebrity guest appearances from Dame Edna Everidge, cleverly disguised as Rory (the only personin the whole ondeck fleet with a red night light - OUTSIDE - his cabin) and a special appearance from Braveheart with Graham (Mel Gibson). Dame Edna shimmied up the mainmast for a group shot with a fish eye lens camera. Donning masks (thanks Tim) and moustaches (thanks Bev), the group listened and sang along to some mind Atlantic old faithfuls from, the Black Eyed Peas, Amy Winehouse, Groove Armada, whilst Monkey taught us ol' sea shanties such as - My Rhubarb Refuses to Rise.

Spent some time on our usual debate on dining out or in tonight. Graham (Masterchef) kept us on board with a terrific Spag Bol - and a freshly made half way carrot cake - washed down with bottle of port.... ahhhh alcohol - followed up with a melon laced with Baileys. Everyone dressed up in their best "black tie" swimming trunks and cocktail water wings - looked very smart. Vic taught us all THE CAT - a dance which is a very complex number with its roots in spanish flamenco. Also the team learnt an old Cape Verde routine called "Pieds de la Tigre" -modernized to TIGER FEET - known to 70's pop group MUD Fans worldwide.

Our very own philosopher JP Sartre (Ian) got us all thinking with his thought for the day - "Bloody good Melon."

Ate the last of the fresh meat - down to hard tack and our last twelve cases of Margaux. Spirits very high - everyone having fun and getting on really well and spending a lot of time doing very little - nice to be in pole position but with 1295 nm under our belt and 776 to go a lot of sailing left to do. Overhauled ISIS late yesterday as they had problems with their kite. Race on !!

I stil cant beiieve it - pinch me - we are in the middle of the blooming Atlantic

Regads to all - especially Tracy, Emma, Amanda, Sarah and Joanna xx - Paul

also some best wishes to

Kayleigh - good luck in your exams next week - Mummy and Daddy (Julian and Alitta) also to Luke and Tom - miss you and brush your teeth

Hector - Bring on the Orange BIG X - love Mum (Bridget)

Adam - God luck in your exams - Dad (Andy)

Simon - miss you - love you Victoria xxx