We understand your speculation and anxiety about our course, north isn't exactly towards Oban. The crew has come up with a number of theories as to why we are taking this course.
1. Looking for Santa Claus.
2. Trying to be the boat that covers the most latitude lines.
3. Checking the SKIRR Adventures route to ensure it is safe for them to sail here in two months. (It is safe.)
4. We just love the cold.
5. Max and Dan (UNICEF) have had a disagreement and therefore heading in opposite directions.
6. They were inspired by the High Roads and Low Roads chat and took it a bit too far.
7. The crew is enjoying this leg so heavily that they don't actually want to go back.
8. Apparently there is an Iceland in Iceland, we must revictual there.
9. The yogurt we make each morning was too warm, so we came north to cool it.
Fear not, this is actually a strategy, believe it or not. With absolute shenanigans in the middle of the course and an ingrained fear of sailing upwind from Leg 6, we have opted to try some of this downwind sailing.
We have made our bed and are sleeping in it committed to what we have decided to do.
So far up north, grey clouds, touches of drizzle, some pilot whales, and the most amazing encounter with a sperm whale that any of us has ever had. We overtook the whale as they just swam along, less than five metres off the boat, it raised its head in greeting and then dived away into the depths.
Boat speed has been consistent with everyone helming well in the lighter conditions. We have made better progress than we expected in the light breeze. Shortly we will be making our turn east and heading towards our final destination.
On deck chat: Each crew member is giving us their dream menu/the menu that they would cook for their guests. (So far, a lot of beef Wellington and a surprisingly large amount of lobster and crab ravioli.)
On deck snacks: Sweet watermelon chewing gum
On deck tunes: Best of Amy McDonald
Max and the well-cultured team of Our Isles and Oceans