We left the US-coast behind and are now off the Mexican coast. That coast extends roughly 1800 nautical miles before we get to the other states of Central America. There are currently still about 2000 nautical miles left to our next destination Panama.

A week ago we were still moving at rather consistent speed and the decision to complete the Ocean Sprint along the shortest path has paid off. With the fastest elapsed time we were able to secure three bonus points for the ranking. The downside of that decision was that we were falling back with respect to the fleet. But also after finishing the sprint we had decent winds and were able to half the distance to the leaders in the following days. Unfortunately, we have since reached the same area of very light winds whereas the first boats start to accelerate again. We are meanwhile caught between moving painfully slow and not moving at all.

The temperatures have been rising steadily and it is now unbearably hot below deck. On deck there is a fierce battle for the few places with some shade. Only there you get to relax a bit, especially when there is a light breeze to cool oneself down that also ensures some progress. Even the water is at more than 28 degrees Centigrade so it does not get much colder at night. But it is enough to find some sleep using a battery powered fan.

The heat has also affected the fridge. It is no longer able to maintain the temperature.l during the hot days and starts to heat up. We have therefore changed the menu in the last few days to consume as much of the fresh produce before it goes bad. Soon we might only have onions and canned vegetables with our meals. The onions seem to last astoundingly long. But we have enough pasta and rice to go with the cans so that nobody stays hungry. However, the appetite has not been great for everyone given the hot weather.

When we were stopped almost completely some had the chance to jump into the water just before sunset. It is not really cold but at this point we are desperate for any means to cool down. Besides we enjoy breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. And the occasional visit of wildlife. The other day we had a huge group of at least 30 dolphins visiting, the day before that a blue shark. Since its sighting the excursions into the water have not been on the schedule.