Just when we thought the recent storm had gone, it had one more go at the boats before subsiding. It was a rough night with the wind and waves battering OME once more and again damaging the rudder control lines. Simon was on deck at 4 in the morning securing the lines, and got soaked in the process. At least the cabin stayed dry this time.

He was heartened this morning to see the support boat back. He really looks forward to seeing them and being able to talk without worrying about telephone bills mounting up. They told him about another and possibly heavier storm due towards the end of the week and advised heading evn further north to miss the worst of it. Simon is rather fed up of storms and was heading that way anyway.

The shoulder, though still painful, is bearing up and he has managed reasonable amounts of rowing when conditions have made it possible.

The first mini celebrations should occur this week when he notches up his first 1000 nm. He has a small bottle of Champagne to celebrate with, if he can remember where he put it !

 Simon needs some calm days  again to give the boat some more TLC. The storms have damaged more stanchions and the rudder lines need more permanent fixing.