Normality returns!

HI Guys,

              Normality returns!The Tortuga Express has slowed down! We enjoyed a lovely gentle night, without a cloud in sight, and all the stars as clear and bright as one would ever wish to see. Running down the equator, it is interesting to be able to see both Northern and Southern hemisphere constelations at the same time.Cant stop myself from humming/singing/(wishful thinking) the line "When you see the Southern Cross for the very first time...", from the song of the same name by "Watershed", which was clearly written while doing just this crossing, from Galapagos to the Marquesis. The other amazing thing, is that the nights here on the equator, are still cold enough to require fleecy jackets after 8.00pm!

 We decided to fly the asymetric again today, and just as we were about to hoist, we hooked and landed Dorado No.3. They have all been the most ideal size to catch, bteween 2 and 3 kg, which makes them quick to boat,clean, fillet, bag and stick in the freezer .Tonight we are having Dorado sushimi for dinner, with our sundowner.( note the singular!) Once No 3 was packed away, we hoisted the bag , and enjoyed about 8 hours of ideal sailing at between 6 and 7,5 knots. Routine inspection revealed some bad chafing in  the tack sheet, as the block had got twisted under the roller furling drum, and the sheet( thats rope Shirl!) was being cut by the drum.

 The wind angle during the last week has made our point of sail  take us about 20 miles south of our rhum line ,( no big deal when a single tack is 2900miles!), so we decided to go back to the rolly old wing on wing sail confuguration, and take the 20 miles back, while we sorted out the damaged sheet. We ended up doing 148miles on day 6, and have now done  900miles, with 2010 to go. One of the boats behind us, had to turn back to Galapagos yesterday, due to autopilot problems. He was 600 miles out, and it will take him 50% longer to double back. We really feel for them, and it makes us all very aware of the fact, that this is the single longest leg in any circumnavigation, and of the importance of regular checks and maintainance routines. Are we glad we decided to pension off our "Old Fred" before this leg ..... his expensive Raymariine replacement ,"New Fred" has been brilliant so far... no moaning and whinging!  Love and best wishes to all!  Rod & Mary    (once again courtesy of satphone from the mid-pacific!)