Strong winds from the south took me from Porto Giglio to Elba in five and a half hour, which gives an average speed of around 6 knots. New record for Atlantis over such a long distance, 33 miles. And that was for the genoa only. Maybe I would have gained a little speed with the main up, but hoisting it against the wind and then dousing it would probably take longer time than the speed gained. The wind was more or less on the stern all the time, and then I have to go goosewinged, which works sometimes and not so good or bad other times. And I would need to go up on deck and rig a preventer, while the boat is tossed around in the rough seas. Now I could handle everything from the cockpit, and had a relatively comfortable ride, being in the Med at least. From north of Giglio and a big part of the distance, the waves came from two directions and made the boats movements very erratic. In the cockpit it´s ok but going down and make some food is a bit of a nightmare. Sailing is probably the most uncomfortable way of travelling there is. But then there are these magic moments in between, and it's them one are hunting for.

I hurried to Elba because of strong winds forecasted for tomorrow. My original plan was to go into the marina here in Porto Azzurro and wait it out, but I see now that the gale is downgraded, so I stay on my anchorage and hope for the best. The worst will be in daylight tomorrow, so I will at least be awake.

When I came up to Santa Marinella last Sunday, I discovered that the heat exchanger was leaking. It has done so for some time now, just a little that I can wipe up with a paper towel or two, but now it was more. Time to find a solution for this problem, I'm afraid a new one has to be ordered. But Elba is very nice place to be stuck on, so I'll try to do the best of it, and not cry too much for the cost of it, which I'm afraid can be considerable.