38’28,2N 032’35.3W course 015′ speed 5,0kn
We are closing in on the Azores, without time to stop, we will have to pass them, leaving most of the islands to Starboard and Flores and Corvo to Portside, most likely. Of course this depends on the wind and when it returns. The predictions are that we will get a light breeze in the morning, growing to a fair breeze in the afternoon. Topsails up, Starboard tack and, hopefully, off we go. Closing in on these amazing islands, also means that the marine wildlife is starting to show up! The evening of the 19th it started with spotted dolphins, a whole group. Yesterday at the end of the morning watch, 3 Orca’s were spotted. They rarely visit here, so a very special sight. And just now we saw dolphins speed through the dark dark water, as we were setting the forestaysail. It looked like Antlantic striped dolphins, but it could have been common dolphins as well.

But, what to do when you spot wildlife?! Take a picture so you can identify them later, and enjoy the moment they are there. But what if your camera is downstairs, do you get it, or do you enjoy the moment? Well if you do get your camera, get a picture of dorsal fins, of a bird in flight when the wings are facing you and the light is behind you. Or as the ladies of the morning watch chose to do, take a picture of the coordinates on the gps, so you know where you were when you spotted them…! 😉

For dinner we had home made vegetarian hamburgers, on fresh pita bread and sweet potato wedges. We found out a little late that our red beets from a can were actually pickled, heavily! So our salad was more of a relish.. But still very nice. It was the first time in a long time that we all ate downstairs at the table. Most nights, at least half of us, if not all, eat outside. The sun would still be out, the breeze was warm and altogether with the view and the company of the helmsmen, it was nice to eat outside. But since we are creeping up North every day, the temperature of the evening has gone down and today we even had a slight drizzle for a bit, that felt cold!
We just measured the water temp and we are down to 19,3 degrees celcius. The air temperature was 20,0 degrees. We are all wearing double layers, some even go as far as a beanie! We are not used to these temperatures any more!
All is well on board, Jet