29°2'13" N 85°3'22" W

We are still moving reefed main and a furled in headsail. The wind has picked up and so has the seas. Quartering seas hitting our beam/stern area are getting old. Every 2-3 minutes one hits us and tosses everything around including the helmsnan. We are managing though, the boat is doing magnificent! We are cruising at 8.5 knots, the clipper style bow is cutting through the waves like a butter knife. its dark and we are having a blast. We are very tired though to say the least. Im still worried about Erika and if she is in the Gulf of Mexico yet. Did i mention the satellite phone is not working. It appears its an antenna problem. Ive had this phone for 6 years so i really can't complain if it craps out now. Its been a good one. The only weather forcast we have is what we can see. I printed off a weather report for 7 days before i left. Its been wrong so far so we don't even look at it anymore. On a separate note we are getting close to home!!Read more