We have already lost track of time. Today is the span of time between your last 3 hour shift, getting some sleep, and when you are up next in the cockpit for 3 hours. Driving a boat for 3 hours is intense, as there is no road ahead, just a general heading desired and the tradeoff between the wind and the waves. Sometimes they do not let you go in the direction you would prefer and you just have to take what you can get. At least out here in the ocean, there is no traffic to contend with. We are alone already. No signs of civilization, other than some trash floating by occasionally.
We had our first equipment failure. It is no critical, but we considered turning back, as i is not trivial. The starboard (right) side running back attachment poibnt to the mast snapped. The conector is a piece of stainless steel, and it just broke in half. It may have been cracked for awhile now, as they was some browning around one side. Fortunately, the running backs have two points of contact with the mast; the checkstays attach mid-way, and provide a secondary adjustment point. So, my analysis is that the checkstay can take the load when we are on a starboard tack. The port side running back and checkstay are fine, so we will be able to make port tack and sail east at some point with no issues there. The only concern for now is sailing north. We have some risk, but it is manageable, nd we might be able to repair it if we have light winds for a day or two.
We have seem all conditions already, blowing like snot (30 knots plus), 20 to 25 knots (wet), and today, 10 to 14 knots of light wind. The prediction is for very light winds ahead, and we will have to motor. We were happy to have the boat be flat and dry for awhile today. Megan cooked a wonderful breakfast. We dried our foulies. Jimmy came up into cockpit with his board shorts, Spinlock PFD and no shirt. I got out my big sun hat. Megan used the sprayer to rinse off the salt. When the wid came back in the afternoon, we were ready.
Okay, enough for now. I am due up in the cockpit to start my shift. It might be Monday soon…
avionbianca 
Blowing like snot was a new one for me and it made my day, Mr Abbott!
Okay, thanks for the update. Must be spectacular being out there. Stay safe.. and Dad is home in his apartment. He is walking well and right back in the groove socially. The help has been good so far. Only issue is he is more confused and is adamant about driving, and he is a risk to others on the road with his confusion…,so this is the challenge now..
Ok, love to you both and stay safe!!!
Love Amy