A few days ago I was having a paddy about being too far south. Now, I can’t decide whether I really want to go north or not. In a shocking display of cooperation, the weather appears to be getting behind me, and seems to have no intention of moving. Which is nice!

I had hoped to send this having reached 40°W, but a few things got in the way throughout the day which slightly slowed my progress. Nevertheless, I can’t really complain; 50 miles a day is just what I need!

It does, however, appear that I have entered the land of the stealth flying fish. I’ve got perfectly used to seeing these peculiar-looking animals jumping out of the water in my periphery, and I fully expect to get the odd one or two land on the boat from time to time. But I haven’t seen a single collision yet. Despite that, for the last few days, it seems that I’ve been constantly picking them up from Pete’s deck. It’s almost as though they’re desperately trying to take over the boat, and have got the stealth part perfected, but simply don’t know what to do next.

Now, if they provided a good meal, it really wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. In fact, it would be rather convenient. But sadly, they make sardines look like monsters of the sea. If they were flying swordfish instead … actually, maybe swordfish wouldn’t be so great. If they were flying cod, that would be brilliant. Even better would be if they came ready battered, with a bag of chips. In fact, I’m half-tempted to set up a political party to campaign for the introduction of just that kind of fish in our oceans. Just leave your pan out, and sooner or later the fish jump right in - that’s my kind of fishing!

I’m yet to get an answer to my latest bird query, despite three brilliant photos (if I do say so myself). While on the phone to my mum this afternoon (as you do), I spotted one again. Only this time it was just sitting on the water without a care in the world, completely non-plussed by me passing by just 10 yards away. Seeing the opportunity drift past (literally), I quickly claimed my rice was boiling dry (it actually was, nearly) and grabbed my camera. Sadly, the results were poor, but never mind.

I can’t really blame my mum though; she has come up with the only suggestion so far: an arctic tern. I’m no expert on birds, but isn’t there a clue in the name? I haven’t missed a turning have I?!