Is that steak and wine we can smell on the breeze? Maybe not just yet. Less than 600nM (nautical miles) to Punta del Este and we're throwing every sail we have at the wind hole we're battling at the moment in our efforts to hold onto our recent climb back up the leader board. It's all to play for and we're back out of Stealth Mode, a state which caused our supporters much consternation apparently.
The challenge of multiple sail changes and spinnaker and Windseeker hoists and drops has been tempered by sightings this afternoon of a pod of around 20 whales to our starboard, blowing and tail flicking, and as the sun set, of two killer whales attracted by the penguin-like appearance of one of our crew in her pyjamas. We've also enjoyed a quiz with Visit Seattle this evening to pass the time, and belted out tunes like "Things can only get better".
It's great to see the progress the crew is making, with Watch Leaders now largely taking responsibility for sail changes and gybing evolutions leaving the Skipper to supervise helming in tough conditions and even make the occasional cup of tea! Catching some shut eye at this late stage is crucial too as we ready ourselves for the final few days of sailing - hopefully with a bit more wind - into port. Sweet dreams of cows and grapevines...
Cheers, Bob.