We're nearly there!
Nasdaq is down to its final 250nM from Punta Del Este, and some of the crew claim they can already smell the asado (BBQ). But the South Atlantic apparently doesn't want to let us go so easily - we have sailed into a patch of tricky weather, with variable wind direction - sudden gusts and lulls - and occasional heavy showers. Although after a month at sea, maybe the showers aren't such a bad thing...
So, both watches have been kept busy pulling sails up and down, reefs in and out, and trimming and altering course to make the most of what we are given. It's a hectic end to our long journey, but a good chance to put all of the skills into practice and remind ourselves just how much we have learned since setting off from Liverpool. Meanwhile, plans are being hatched for our Leg 2 strategy - watch this space.
Arrival preparations are underway on board - we have hunted down our in-port banners and logos from their 'safe' hiding place, and we are making a start on the deep clean in order to maximise our time ashore in Uruguay. The deep clean will be interesting - bets are being taken as to whether (or where) we will find the bag of food for Day 31 that mysteriously failed to appear, and an entire month's supply of tortilla wraps which (apparently) DEFINITELY came onto the boat in Liverpool.
We've been reading very good things about the welcome that awaits us in Uruguay, and we can't wait to join the rest of the fleet, Clipper Race staff, and supporters there. See you soon everybody!
Cheers, Rob