Hi Gary. Great log you have written and amazing coincidence that you read the same book at the same point in your voyage that Sir Francis Chichester did. stay safe.

280 miles of a wind speed and direction being the same for the entire trip was unbelievable. It made for some quick sailing but the swell also on the beam made life on board very precarious having to plan and think through every step and movement. 

I’d like to go back to Madeira at some point and spend some more time there. Shame it seems to be just off the Atlantic circuit. 

Here’s a great coincidence. I read Ann Davison’s book ‘My Ship is so Small’ on the way to Madeira which recounts her solo Atlantic crossing (in a 25’ boat) which was the first solo ocean crossing by a woman. Such a brave lady which I have such admiration for. Anyway I’ve just started reading Sir Francis Chichesters book ‘Gypsy Moth Circles the World’ in which he states that he also read Ann Davisons book on the way to Madeira!! 

Also we both spent some time (me and Sir Francis) thinking about how to pass the Madeira group. He went through the middle of Madeira and Porto Santo whereas I went east of Porto Santo and  totally unplanned by me picked up some great katabatic blasts from the eastern heights which gave a burst of speed. Sir Francis got light winds between the islands. The true answer however is to pass west of the group if you are not planning to stop there. I was bound for Funchal so couldn’t take this route. 

So now in Lanzarote where Cara will wait patiently for her first Atlantic crossing. 



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