Leg 1 completed and l am now down in Punta Del Este – Uruguay, having crossed the equator and completed my first ocean crossing (Atlantic).

We left London on 1 September for a 7 day passage down to Portimao in Portugal and 6 days on shore before setting out on the 29 day passage to South America.

Had a little bit of everything, good fast sailing, being becalmed in the Doldrums, storms, boiling sunshine, cold and wet.

Racing round the clock for a month on a 3 watch system, on, off, standby has not been easy especially when the boat is beating upwind at a 45 degree angle. However, l am now in the rhythm and am generally enjoying the experience.

I am in Punta until the 23rd then setting off for Cape Town on Leg 2.

Best wishes to you all.