13^th Nov: Westerly wind again. Time went by as we kept heading for Casablanca. The wind finally veered to fresh North Westerly and now we’re heading for Madeira.

16 &17th Porto Santo: VCrew went on a good bus tour around this small island that is to the north east of Funcal. Tony reminisced about calling here in 1987 when Soren Larsen was flagship of the Australian First Fleet ReEnactment voyage – this was their first port call from Portsmouth and he recalled his kids, Tristan and Natasha playing on the beach here with Fleur and Andy R. and John Gyrska. All enjoyed the pubs & restaurants ashore and then it was back aboard.

Overnight sail and the lights of Madeira made a magnificent backdrop

-18 &19^th: In Funchal, Madeira we found the at the QE2 had taken our spot on the wharf and we had to anchor in the harbour. Here at the peak above the harbour there was a spectacular chair lift 550 m to the top and crazy basket ride down – which we all survived! A certain amount of Madeira wine was sampled and we suspect bought and stowed away below. Departed 20^th for Santa Cruz

21st: Light airs and motor sailing in the big weather system of the Azores High

however it made a good opportunity to do a Man Overboard drill and fire drill practice. Took the DOTI boat out for a run and gave everyone the chance for a photo opportunity of the ship under sail.

Now with the bar set up around the main mast we’re enjoying cocktails on the main deck on this balmy warm night

Our e.t.a. Santa Cruz 1500 tomorrow.