We knew we were headed into some light winds - which I think will affect most of the fleet. Most have dived south, and we've gone from being the southern most boat, to being the northern most apart from Doppelbock which is still hammering away along the great-circle route. As the wind reduced, we pulled down the parasailor after 58 hours straight, and put up our gennaker which is slightly easier to deal with when things get very light and the apparent wind can shoot forward quickly. We continued like this for most of the night, swapping to genoa when we got a bit more breeze.
Alas, this morning we had a torrential squall, immediately following it there was no wind at all. We were bobbing around drifting in circles. We needed to charge batteries and top-up water, so we elected to motor or motor-sail on one engine. Not sure how long we'll continue on engine, depends if we get some wind filling in. We can see plenty of wind in a few days time though, before another lull ahead of the trade-winds returning.
The manoverboard was intentional though - both Barry and I decided that with the lack of winds and light swell, we'd not get a better chance to swim off the boat. The water was pleasantly warm and its an experience to swim where the depth is 5 kilometres!
We've got into the christmas spirit now, and put a few decorations up around the boat. We're not sure our christmas tree lights meet colregs, but as we've not seen another vessel for over a week now - I don't think we're that bothered ;)
As we've passed the half-way mark now, its all down hill from here - though not necessarily downwind!!