Richard Hewson

> Yesterday afternoon we hoisted the Code 0. A large sail, cross between a big Genoa and a Spinnaker that flys from its own forward stay. We were pleasantly surprised when the wind swung further south, giving us a true wind angle of 130 degrees at 10kts and Sunday Island happily sailing at 5kts. >
> Later in the evening the wind came back to the ESE, and dropped to 8kts, so we started the engine, but kept our speed of 5.5kts with the help of the code zero, main and missen. The breeze remained with us until the morning when it picked up again allowing us to turn off the engine, prior to the any breeze completely disappearing for the rest of the day. >
> This morning the kids began decorating their Christmas gingerbread cookies. I taught Issy how to make a paper chain like I used to make when I went to primary school and Issy proceeded to make a paper chain as long as the boat. Kids also drew and coloured in stockings and other decorations so the saloon is getting a Christmas vibe. There is rumour that we will be getting a Christmas tree however unless its deck cargo I’m not a fan of trees on boats! I think I will loose my battle and we will have a decorated Christmas tree in the saloon shortly after making landfall! >
> At midday big rain clouds were approaching and everybody stripped off for a shower on deck and to clean the boat. With sails down and calm seas it was a good afternoon for some maintenance, including polishing of stainless, and removing the bird poo from our visitors yesterday. I also took the opportunity to go up the mast and re run the lazy jacks and courtesy flag halyards that had come detached over the past week of wind. >
> During the afternoon we came across a mini ecosystem. There were Portuguese men-o-war, flying fish, and small tuna boiling in the sea. The tuna were too busy catching flying fish to notice our lure trailing behind Sunday Island, so no fish as yet today. The kids remained up the bow even in the rain watching the fish, jelly fish and flying fish passing by. >
> Emilie has mastered the art of making bread and her latest loves would match that of any bakery. Emiilie is certainly making use of the new Espace Ocean Chef oven baking cookies, foccasia and various other assortments. Tonight we try cooking Pizza in the oven for the first time! >
> We hope to get a bit of breeze tonight once the rain clouds disappear, otherwise the weather forecast shows no wind until we reach Barbados. It is a good chance to fully charge the batteries and fill the tanks up with water from the, but we would prefer to be sailing! >
>