This is it! The days of preparation are over, and we set sail today.
After a busy day yesterday, Peter, Jon and I enjoyed a good restaurant meal with a couple of beers before an early night. Up early this morning to make the boat ship shape, and we will cast off in just a couple of hours. The forecast is good: some brisk winds from the east for a few days, then easing to give us (we hope) a calmer time. The rhumb line distance to Horta is about 2200 NM, but our route, which will pass a little north of the line, will probably be closer to 2400NM. Peter is optimistic that this will take as little as 16 days, but I think 20 is more realistic. We shall see!