Day 4

Distance run: 151 nautical miles

A frustrating day.  As we were being headed by westerly winds, we decided to tack south but the westerlies did not produce the anticipated boat speed.  For most of the day the sea was flat - the oily surface indicating a serious lack of wind.  Quite a monotonous day of motor sailing, reading and topping up the tan.  The weather is quite warm - about 23 degrees for most of the day and at night.  The Kindle has been invaluable - managed to read Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton (which I enjoyed) and Chekhov's The Sea-Gull (which I did not).
We had a brief visit from four dolphins in mid-afternoon, but they were gone within 30 seconds, apparently as bored with the conditions as we were.  Everyone is crying out for wind.
This was my first day to cook the evening meal and I was under a little pressure as the standard of cuisine to date has been excellent - we have enjoyed fish pie, chicken curry, and pork with leeks and mashed potato.  Fortunately my 'Spaghetti San Franco' was received enthusiastically - or at least without complaint.  I note that the Skipper has yet to put in an appearance in the galley!

Day 5

Distance run: 190 nautical miles

Be careful what you wish for!  A strong southeasterly set in during the course of the evening, and Alcedo has kicked up her heels and run.  When I came on deck for my nighttime watch at 02:00 we were sailing at 9-10 knots.  I have never seen a darker night.  With clouds overhead there was not a star to be seen, and we are now some distance away from other ARC yachts, so for once there were no reassuring navigation lights on the horizon.  Indeed, it was impossible to pick out a horizon at all - what was sky, and what was sea? Visibility was limited to about 10 metres either side of the boat.  Alcedo, in her element, cared nothing for this, but hurtled on into the sheer blackness of the night.  Helming was like a blind man riding a roller-coaster.  However, we were now moving, and in the right direction.  It was quite an exciting night, with the yacht being blown round a full 360 degrees at one point, but luckily no damage was done.
For this morning's watch the wind had picked up even more, but was now accompanied by strong driving rain.  Not ideal conditions, but still a good wind angle so were are keen to make the most of it.  Alcedo is now making 9 knots consistently, with occasional 10 or 11 knot moments, much to Venetia's delight.  Steering the yacht has been simply exhilarating, despite the incessant rain. 

 I have been thinking of Horatio during the recent watches, reflecting that had it not been for him I would surely not be here - in the middle of the vast nothingness of sea. I have no way of knowing how the sponsorship is progressing, but I hope that readers will continue to spread the word and that donations for this excellent cause continue to pour in.