Post 6

Day 5 - Sailing the coast of Portugal.

Sailing along the coast of Portugal toward Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean is an experience of a lifetime. The beautiful clear waters and the gentle seas are making for a very pleasant day. And this is exactly what we were experiencing today in our 42 foot catamaran named "Just Live" on our way to Madeira with 600 nautical miles left to go.

After motoring for much of the day and navigating the northern and southern shipping lanes of the coast, we are sailing through the night with calm seas and steady winds from the northwest, pushing us along nicely at six knots. The feeling of the boat gliding through the water, propelled by nothing but the wind, is priceless.

As we sailed through the night, we were surrounded by a ceiling of stars that were a welcome distraction from the dark night sky. The moon and stars shone down upon us, and we could not help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of the world around us.

The following morning, we were over 100 miles off the coastline of Portugal.

As we made our way southwesterly for optimal wind and comfort, our sights are set on Madeira, with its rugged coastline and lush green hills - a sight to behold. We should arrive this coming Sunday and will be there for 3 days to drop off Bartek, pickup Jerry Elliott as crew and grab more provisions, which will give me time to explore the island's natural wonders and enjoy the warm hospitality of its people and a few pints. :)

Our total journey across the Atlantic will be approximately 5000 nautical miles. The blue seas, beautiful surroundings, and the sense of freedom that sailing brings are experiences that will stay with me forever. It truly is a journey of a lifetime, and one that I would recommend to anyone with a love for adventure and the sea.

Cheers,

Paul

P.S. Remember, you can click on this tracker link to follow us across the Atlantic on an interactive map via Iridium Go - thanks to Captain Anthony.