Cape Verdes bound for Argentina - 29 Sept
by Kate Laird

11 18 N
25 39 W

Sailing again after over 24 hours of motoring in 2-3 knots of true wind. Blissful to be sailing...one forgets how lovely it is! We put loads of soundproofing in the engine room, which paid off enormously, and the engine is actually louder in the cockpit than in the saloon, but still...

We are heading virtually straight south to cross the doldrums as quickly as possible, and give us a better angle on the southwesterlies south of the equator.

Last night Helen and Anna had their first paddle in the inflatable paddling pool on the foredeck. It is only 1 meter round, but a good bath anyway. We had some either very large dolphins or small whales near the boat while Helen and Anna were swimming. I am inclined to suspect one of the small beaked whales, as these ignored us completely. The whales tend to be uninterested in boats, whereas dolphins, even if they are feeding, will usually swim over to have a cursory look at the boat.

You can learn more about the Lairds and Seal at their website www.expeditionsail.com.