Cape Verdes bound for Argentina - 9 Oct
by Kate Laird

14 28 S
35 01W

We've reached the halfway mark between the Cape Verdes and Mar del Plata, about 31 days underway since leaving Lydney, and 20 since leaving the Canaries, with 24 hours in the Cape Verdes. We're mostly sure that we're going to head straight for Mar del Plata, though if we get a rash of headwinds, that could change.

We had an immature booby following the boat yesterday afternoon. Not sure if it was a red footed or a brown (couldn't see the feet!). And saw our first ship in many days.

We can now see the clouds stacked up on the coast of Brazil. To port are the tradewind clouds, to starboard are the lumpy continental clouds.

Still don't feel like cooking . Too hot. But we today we have started raiding the delicacy tins...oysters and dressed crab meat and the like. We try to make spaghetti or rice or boiled potatoes for dinner every night with something to go with it, but it is a big act of will to put all that hot humid air into the boat.

Hamish did an extra hour on watch yesterday, so we are now GMT +1, as our sunsets were getting rather too late.

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