Across the Gulf Stream

June 4, 2008 Wednesday 9:45AM EST
Well, we had a boisterous night last night. Shortly after the last blog entry (titled "Viva Mexico" - reusing a previous entry) the wind increased until we had to reef the mail and roll up a quarter of the jib. With shortened sail, we just roared along (bouncily) . The current was helping and we saw more than 10 knots in speed over the bottom. We were only doing about 8 through the water, but who's complaining. I think our first day at sea will be in the range of 170 miles made good. We started out close reaching, but as we have gone along the wind has come further aft and I just took out the reef. We have a true wind of 16 knots on the quarter (sailor talk, sorry). How nice is that!
We had a fine dinner out in the cockpit before the wind came up higher, so we started out in gracious fashion. We've gone a bit downhill since then, but with the wind aft, the boat is level and less wave action, so lunch could have possibilities.
We must be getting to the far side of the Gulf Stream since the water is full of Sargassum Weed. The Stream has water that is a beautiful indigo blue.
Our friends, Jeff and Ellen, gave us a bouquet of daisies and other flowers before we left, and through all the rocking and rolling last night, they sat in the galley and reminded us of more tranquil living.
Just for the record, our current position is 34d 03.89N and 74d 37.47W.
We are having fun in a kind of adventurous way. If we keep this kind of wind, it will be a quick passage.
Best to ya...