11/10/2009 - Tenacious

Another grey day but a relaxed start with breakfast at 9am! More maintenance and safety checks, a fire drill and exercise by the permanent crew take up most of the morning. We depart at 15:00ish after a short(ish) wait for the pilot, and the sky clears so we leave Southampton water with a little welcome sun. There is a strong wind and short chop making things a bit uncomfortable during the evening, helped a little by setting the fore and mizzen staysails. The night is beautifully clear with shooting stars and a low crescent moon. The sea and wind gradually subside and we make good progress.