Atlantic cookbook

DAY 5 - 29th November 2007

Position: 24º 16' N 27º 14' W
Bearing: 260º
Distance to go: 2004 Nm

It's difficult to get up and start the 06.00 to 12.00 watch and today was no exception, but for the first time we had a fantastic sunrise to wake us up. It's almost as if it was our personal sun rising gently from the stern. Within a couple of hours the classic trade wind clouds were on the horizon. Lines of white, puffy cumulus clouds that delivered some consistent NE winds throughout the day.

The sun had brought both watches out on deck which made it a perfect photo opportunity. Julian was feeling creative and decided a bit of height was necessary. Cue the bosun's chair and a trip up the mast. There's nothing like putting your trust into others but I had no qualms as I was hoisted by strong hands and winches. Despite a mostly photogenic crew we had some special visitors arrive right on time, a school of dolphins, much prettier and better swimmers than anyone on board. They swam with us for about ten minutes dancing under the bow. This was becoming a special day. Before I came down I managed one shot of the crew, after all that was why I went up.

Susie's "bistro sur mer" delivered the best lunch yet with universal praise for her beef fajitas. Watch out for her Atlantic cookbook to be published soon. And she doesn't even swear like Gordon Ramsey.

The afternoon was spent chatting and mixing with A watch, or the "Inernational Crew". Their mix of Scotland, USA, Germany and England is working really well and they are always laughing.

We changed ship time to GMT -1, the first of three changes to make as we cross. The fourth change will most likely be done on arrival in St Lucia.

Today was a record breaker with 190 miles covered. Well done everyone.


You can track the progress of Northern Child, which is updated every hour, on their web site at: northernchild.com