Smooth sailing to the Canaries

Departure 10:45, one reef in the main-sail, 2/3 of the genoa out, sailing ca. SSE, 145 degrees in flat seas, 5 to 6 knots. Translation: A great sail towards the Canary Islands, quick on calm, blue seas.
Initially we have VHF-contact with "Snorre" about an hour ahead, and "Blaa", heading for "our" place in Funchal. But soon we`re alone on the empty seas. We have our eyes open for whales or turtles swimming by, but not a bird, or even a bulk-carrier appears on the horizon.
At nightfall we see a sailor has finally turned on his navigation lights behind us barely above the horizon. A growing half-moon and a sky full of stars light the way.