Well, day 7 ended at 10:30AM on October 2nd with 149 nm traveled. We have been flying at 6-7 knots. The wind has not changed much in that it is still about 15-20 knots, but we have changed angle with the wind which increased our hull speed. We had to be sure that we were north enough before turning southeast in order to round the southwest point of Portugal. It is currentl 1:30PM on October 2nd and we are at 37.06N, 9.47W getting near to the traffic separation lanes. These are lanes that are used by the large freighters which we as a private sailboat need to cross at right angles. These lanes are about 10 miles across and fortunately as we have AIS we can easily see where the freighters are located. More importantly using that same technology they can see us! We had hoped to cross it at night as it is easier to see the ships with their lights, but this will be fine.
At our present speed it appears that we will probably get to our destination of Lagos at midnight or after. We usually like to get to a harbor during the day, but this is a wide open one so should not present any problems. We have been in contact with the marina as well to let them know we are coming late.
The sun is out and the moon has been full which has made the night duties very pleasant. Last night we had our full genoa and 1 reef in the main out, but as we were heeling at 20 degrees all the time it was difficult to make dinner,etc. As a result we took in some of the genoa but with our change of angle we didn't slow down. It is amazing how your speed can change based on the angle to the wind and waves. We have had a few waves come over the bow and into the cockpit - that definitely gets our attention, but fortunately it isn't too much.
First thing when we get to Lagos after the official business of checking in will be getting a shower and then giving Tsamaya a fresh water bath as everything is covered with salt.
All in all it hasn't been a bad passage - a few days rougher than others but not bad. We will be glad to get our feet on terra ferma again for a while however and explore a new place. This definitely reminds us that the Azores really are out in the "middle of the Atlantic" - really about 985 miles off shore!
Will let you know when we get there and then will change back to our regular blog. Hope things are well with everyone - best wishes from us both.
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