Racing into the North Atlantic, fully Reefed

We're sailing due south from the Celtic Sea into the North Atlantic, on the Biscay's west flank. After four hours of motor-sailing through a calm, we sail in light winds, WSW. "Lille-Per", wind-vane, is managing quite well. We still have some radio contact (VHF) with the Swedish boats, "Blue Marlin" and "The Spice II"; we all left about the same time. But as distances increase, sound quality decays.

Gradually the wind increases and we take in one reef at midday and another before the night watches. We have force 4 and 5 winds and are going great guns, fully reefed, now, and sailing close-hauled.

At 14:30 we have brought a huge bulk carrier to a halt. We had hove-to let him pass in front of us in the now strong, force 5, winds. He enquires politely, over the vhf radio, if we are in need of assistance. No, but thanks for asking! A pleasant conversation with the skipper of the "Olympia"; we appreciate his concern!!

On my night watch we are still sailing close-hauled. With our whole 360 degree horizon black, except one tiny little group of firefly-glows. The weak lights turn out to be a hornet's nest of fishing vessels. They stop, change directions, go slowly, trawl and take off for new fishing areas. It takes my whole three hour watch to weave through them.

I seem to get all the fun.