Dolphins, sunshine and spinnaker sailing. At last is does what is written on the tin. Brendan West reports from the ARC

Dolphins, sunshine and spinnaker sailing. At last is does what is written on the tin. Warm sunshine and a visit from our aquatic friends.

Medium spinnaker and pointing directly at St Lucia. Not fast enough say says Col, so we peel to the lightweight spinnaker and up to 7kts in light winds. Shower day. Water tanks full and the water maker pushing fresh water through the overflow. Great to drink after the brackish stuff from the tanks.

The crew get to freshen up. So, lots of bare bums hopping amount down below to and from the heads. Comical to watch, but not a pretty site. Hence no pictures.

Colin and Paul spend all night repairing the old No 1 headsail using cloth donated from the brand-new furling headsail that failed on the first day of the race. It’s a pity we had to use close from a new sail, but we had no option.

This Morning, Juno sends us a new challenge. Thomo, who has only just recovered from sea sickness is now working on the grey water pump (waste pump). Fingers crossed, that he holds body and soul together.

Today is Winston Churchill’s birthday. More importantly my brother Gavin’s. Happy birthday Gav. The card is in the post!

Never in the field of human conflict…

Brendan