Azores Inbound Day 4

Hi everyone,
At 1200 today we were at 40 08N 034 00W steering 110M, broad reaching under single-reefed main and single-furled yankee at 6 knots. It was sunny (still) with a handful of small cumulus clouds. The wind was 13G18 from the WSW. Our noon to noon run by the log was 128nm. 140nm at 110M to Flores - about a Sydney to Batemans Bay (where we initially based Zen Again).

Yesterday afternoon the great sailing continued. A 2m+ NW swell had built up but it was coming in from astern and the ride was smooth. Clouds increased a little and we weren't laying Flores, so it wasn't quite 'champagne sailing'. At 1500 we gybed on to port tack and tracked NE towards the lay line. Winds were W 13G18. After gybing the 2m+ NW swell came onto our beam which made the ride uncomfortable.

We stayed on port until midnight, a run of about 45nm. We gybed back on to starboard and Flores was dead ahead. Yay! The wind had gradually backed to WSW. We gybe using the WindPilot controls which produces a nice steady turn and allows both of us to handle lines (or gybe single-handed if necessary).

The night was partly cloudy so we only had a limited view of the stars and meteor showers. But Zen Again was loving the conditions. We had double-reefed main and double-furled yankee which gave us a good steady 5 knots boat speed.

This morning the clouds reduced back to 'champagne sailing' (< 1 octa) so we had a great sail. The wind held in better than the forecasts suggested. We unrolled more yankee and got Zen Again averaging 6 knots and surging to 8 knots. Just before noon we shook out the second reef.

Gulf Stream currents continue to come and go but they're less strong than previously so the sea state is fine. This morning we ridded the deck of several flying fish and one small squid which deposited themselves aboard overnight. Twas another bird-free night aboard.

Here's hoping the wind holds in all the way to Flores. Dream on! It's predicted to slowly ease and back around to the SW. And there may be low cloud / fog on arrival.

Trust all's well where you are.