Not far now

Everyone slowly digested their submarine pizzas and settled back into their normal routine on Sunday afternoon, some reading, some chatting (with the most popular topic at the moment being whether we should have draught lager or bottled, how many, which type, and how it should be served when we reach Barbados), and laughing and others milling around the boat performing maintenance tasks, cooking or drinking tea. The afternoon went by pretty much uneventual, however there was an air of anticipation and excitement for the afternoons scheduled quiz. Unfortunately as the quiz started, some thick thunderous louds started to loom across the horizon which added an edge to the event and forced us all to focus in order to complete the proceedings before being forced down below deck from the anticipated squall. The hostesss with the mostess 'Ms Peggs', took control of the event and managed to announce the eventual winner, Mr Maxey (who obviously watches too much TV) before the rain hit with ever increasing avengence.

After taking cover from the rain, a hot disk of tuna layed of a bed of Dillon Pasta, laced by cucumber garnish and served with late afternoon beverages for all, including the famous 'Salty Sundowners'.

Dave, in his attempt to educate us motely crew, put on a podcast for weather forecasting, and after we all felt pretty competent of our ability to read the clouds and prepare for any of the prevailing weather conditions, however Dave ommitted to mention that the podcast was for the Solent and inshore waters of the UK.

The routine of the evening, and the preparations for the overnight shifts kicked in, and as everyone was returning and settling down to their personal saunas the kite decided to wrap itself around the forestay, resulting in a call for all hands on deck. Two an a half hours later, of hard sweating by the team (many strapped on to the foredeck) and some amazing trapease work by Monkey up the mast and down the forestay, the kite was eventually wrestled free, re-wooled and put back up. A well earned cup of tea was served up to all, and everyone reacted in detail their own personal struggles with the elements and the kite, while licking their battle scares, quite content that they all now have an old sea dog story to share with whoever will listen to them down their local when back in blighty.

As everyone not scheduled to be on shift returned back to their saunas around 0100hrs, a cooling shower acompanied by another amazing lightning show and shooting stars was provided for our enjoyment. The rest of the overnight watches went uneventful, followed by more early morning showers, some vivid rainbows and yet another dolphin visit.

As we sign off what is our penultimate blog, we are currently at 09.39.650N, 052.44.698N heading on a bearing of 157, speed 9Kn leaving us with 177 miles to our final destination.

A general thankyou to everyone who has sent a message, they are really appreciated.

Kumusta sa aking pamilya sa Philippines!

Alita, Julian and all of the crew on Minerva.