Week full of Fridays

It's been a "busy" night once again.From a beam reach we were more and
more sailing on a broad reach,a sometimes difficult and uncomfortable
point of sail and not very fast.At 11 last night the wind starting
climbing to 18 kts and I thought about bringing the main down to 2nd
reef.When sailing,if you think of reefing,very simply reef.I woke Brad
to assist in furling the genoa,undoing the gybe preventer,drop the
main,hook into 2nd reef,raise the main and furl out the genoa.20
minute's effort which allowed us a smoother passage,some peace of mind
and a better angle to the wind on the main.The gybe preventer between
the end of the boom and the middle cleat also has another little secret
to it.Probably illegal in racing,but a bungy cord on the gybe preventer
tied to a deckring gives us a pumping action and also prevents the main
from banging when we hit a pothole.And we sail a little faster.

4am this morning the wind has shifted to south.I decided to drop the
main,hoist the secondary headsail,furled out the genoa and a few other
small adjustments before we were on a run,right on target for
St.Helena.We are about 120nm from the Valdivia Banks,an underwater
mountain range which can get tricky in adverse conditions.Fortunately we
are passing just north of the banks without having to change course,just
keep an eye on things.

Last night Brad prepared baked tuna with tomatoes,onions and a few other
secret ingredients.Absolutely sumptious.I have just placed a bread in
the oven and Brad used the second half of the muffin mix we've used
before.In 45 minutes or so,fresh bread,muffins and lunch...mmmmm.What to
have on the bread now becomes the question.Lots of choices.

We have a gentle southerly breeze pushing us along,following seas,sun is
shining and things are very much relaxed out here.Clair,thanks for the
comment.You ladies also work at all hours and we salute the great work
you do for people in dire need.It takes a lot of bravery and heart to do
what you ladies do.

Our position @ noon 25*33'S/08*18'E.970nm from St.Helena and hoping to
arrive there on Friday next.Hey hey,nearly forgot,it is FRIDAY!!Out here
we seem to have a week of Fridays,just rolling into each other.Take care
and touch base again tomorrow.

Paul