Four and a half hours into the race and we've just seen a shark (no kidding) and three whales spouting and diving around us. Nearly hit one! A cracking farewell from America and welcome to the Atlantic, for the last time this race. It was an odd start - the simplest course, with no round-the-cans stuff, but we managed to fit in endless, back-to-back manoeuvres as the wind shifted around all over the place and gusts came and went. We were nearly first over the line, but then stopped as the wind filled from behind and the yachts at the back came screaming through. This was the story of the battle leaving the North Channel, with postions changing constantly. Now we're out in clear water and the fleet spreading out, enjoying the cool Atlantic breeze after the humidity of Boston. The first position report has just come in but is pretty meaningless since we're so close and can see all the other boats around us. The next few days will be interesting as North versus South, current versus wind descisions are made. We have our own game plan, which you'll see emerging...

Boston was a big one for us since our sponsors are part American. Concert had a huge presence in the city and looked after us once again. Plenty of entertaining, telling the Southern Ocean stories (we're getting pretty good at that now!), and tucking into lobster and champagne. There was more of that at the prizegiving, when we collected the longest noon-to-noon trophy. A pukka prize after the ignominy of picking up the comedy safety award in Wellington. We covered 258 miles on the second day of the last leg - easily our fastest day when you look at the painful progress across the Azores high. That really gave us a boost and we're psyched up for a good run back to the UK. Just out to go for it and do our best; sail well and safely and come in near the front of the fleet.

We're mostly looking forward to coming home. After 9 months at sea (in various senses!) it's time to return and get on with life. Personally, there are so many things to do I can't quite get a handle on it - most of them good, even returning to work. We just need to get there in good time. All we ask is some decent wind. We're not on for sitting in a parking lot - had enough of that on the last leg. We're not good at it, and we don't like it!! Sadly, the high that is giving Boston the sunshine and keeping Wimbledon in the rain is expanding and planning sit over the North Atlantic. Doesn't look very promising.

But hey, we're coming home! Normally after two weeks we're nearly half way through a leg and thinking of getting the travel guides out. By that time on this leg we'll be nearly there! Noone has admitted to having the Berlitz guide to Southampton yet!!

Yours, heading home, Sarah.