Day 56 – Squalls, re-fixing leak,

25 Apr, 07 – 21.40
15.4803N,42.3145W
24 hr progress: 35.8 Nautical Miles (1 nm = 1.85 km)
Distance left to Antigua (straight line): 1109 Nautical Miles ( 2051 km)
Distance completed: 1936 NM (3581 km)
Wave height: 10-12 ft, Winds: 20 knots ENE, Bearing: 270 -310 degrees.

A quick shorter post than usual due to bad weather.
There sea was so bad all of last night that here was no flying fish to be found on deck. What a pleasant change. No sign of any other wildlife under the boat as well, apart from the odd solitary pilot fish swimming alongside the hull.
I was greeted by a squall once again this morning. Very unpleasant rowing conditions. The squall however did provide a change of scenery, as I sat on deck watching a stormy curtain of rain racing across the sea towards the boat and passing over it followed by sunshine minutes later.
Above average mileage in the last 24 hrs, thanks to strong winds. Keeping course has been a challenge without the rudder fully immersed. The stern has taken a bit of a beating overnight and there is more water in the boat due to the sealant coming off from the outside. Will have to re-fix the leak again.
In todays dinner time news, I spilt treacle pudding on the black mattress as I was eating dessert in the darkness. It happened when I left the packet for a few seconds to go an re-tie the oars on deck. Unfortunately, I did'nt discover it, until I laid down to sleep and started sliding around on my back. By this time, it had run over the sides of the mattress into the other mattress below and the wood. So the smell of Treacle now joins the other smells in the cabin including Fish, Salt, Dampness, Blue cheese, Lemon Deodorant, Sealant, and Mint toothpaste.
Looking forward to the next milestone, crossing the 45W mark.
B
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Approaching rain clouds

Squall passes overhead

Half squall, Half clear skies