Oh Natasha!!

Hello to all of those who get to live a balanced lifestyle (meaning you can walk without tipping over). I believe it's our fourth day and sea and so far so good. The wind was quite low the first few days but we've started to get her going with a lot of help from the wind that decided to kick in sometime yesterday! Natasha (our wind vane) and I were getting along very well the first three days, but then there was the 3 hours last night where we fought and fought, I adjusted her one way and she
went the other. It was an ongoing battle the entire night! I was on the helm for those 3 hours with no help from her at all!!! It was an exhausting 3 hours to say the least because when she and I get along, the boat pretty much steers itself only needing a few minor adjustments. Well the good news is I woke up this morning after a rocky sleep in the v-berth in better spirits and a willingness to work things out with Natasha. I was just on the helm for the last hour and she was steering the boat
beautifully, just like the old times!!! We've agreed to stay nice to each other and lets hope we both mean it because it makes life a lot easier for me. Cress, Jim, Marcel, and Roland have been great company so far and the crew seem to be getting along just great!

We had our first minor accident this morning with a fall and a cut. Jim cut his finger, on a spoon no less, but the doctor on board (Cress) took care of the problem in no time at all and Jim took it all like a champ. I'm glad to report that he's doing well, having a rest and taking it easy for the rest of the day. On the bright side, it happened while Jim was making some delicious French toast, which he himself got to enjoy after he was all repaired.

At the moment we are cruising along at a steady 6 knots and we're well on our way to Fiji and hopefully making up some lost time from the first 2 days!

My first taste of sailing has been a dream so far with the highlights being my watches at night! It has to be one of the most peaceful experiences of my life, the sound of the waves crashing against the side of the boat is incredibly soothing, the air is remarkably fresh, and the stars stunningly bright! I find myself thanking the universe again and again for such a beautiful experience!

I hope all is well back on land and don't worry mom I've been very safe. Thanks for reading this short novel and don't worry they'll keep coming!!

Lots of love,

Matt