Skipper's log: Samantha Davies (Britain), skipper, Initiatives-Cœur (IMOCA)

Bonjour à la terre!

The last 24h have been a lot more peaceful than the start of the race. 

With less wind, but a reasonable angle, we have been sailing smoothly down the Portuguese coast, accompanied by the local dolphins who seemed happy to have a sailing boat to come and encourage along in our race! 

With the wind and sea state calmer, it becomes possible to do some little jobs on board - mostly drying out and checking - but also some little DIY here and there to fix (or try) a few things, such as the water-maker and the AIS. All is good on board and in working order!

We didn’t see the sun, in fact we’ve spent most of the time in the fog, or drizzle (or maybe you call it “fizzle”?) But just now, on this last night watch the stars are appearing and we have Orion to guide us un ahead in the night sky. I can also see the little twinkle of the nav lights on board our sister-ship Banque Populaire just astern to Port... 

I’m very happy to be alongside an other mixed crew duo in the lead pack, something which I don’t normally think about but someone is missing out here - Isa and Morgan should be here with us - and so I just wanted to send them our encouragement to the whole MACSF team in their huge challenge to get back out into the race. 

Bonne nuit!
Sam