After having had the pleasure to meet King and Queen Neptune, we are now back into racing mode. Merely 1000 nautical miles separate us from "a cidade maravilhosa", the marvellous city, as the locals like to call Rio de Janeiro. We cannot await to see the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain appear on the horizon as well as the famous beaches and palm trees, as we get closer. A dream of mine would come true, if this all could happen during daylight. I am sure our Skipper Max has already worked out the perfect timing.

So far we definitely were spoiled with the good weather on this leg. I have to admit that it sometimes even felt like a cruise - the blue ocean, wind, music, cold drinks and dolphin pods swimming alongside the boat.

Since our Equator crossing the wind has increased, allowing us to make good progress. It even seems as if King Neptune has heard our call for no more wind holes until Rio, when looking at the weather files for the next days. The overall mood on the boat is good and we are looking forward to set foot on land again after this long period at sea. First bets for our exact arrival time are being placed. I am going with Wednesday, 30 September, at around 1600 (Brazilian time). The lucky winner can look forward to some free drinks, provided by Skipper Max and fellow crew mates, at our first evening in Rio.

When looking back to the beginning of this month, I can definitely say that I am impressed by how fast we grew together as a team and how well each of us has adapted to the life at sea. Most of the tasks seem to have become a routine by now. However, I have to admit that the mother watch is still one of the toughest ones. Cooking for 19 people is already challenging, but doing this at an angle of more than 30 degrees and beating into waves definitely does not make the job easier. A big thank you to all mothers who have managed this already!

Ate em breve e abraços.