60 miles to go and it looks like it'll be a tight finish. We've just sighted land - to a chorus of "lalalalalalamerica..." (original as ever) - and have Save the Children off the starboard bow. With the wind going light and the boats in front slowing down it looks like a long afternoon and evening ahead, but the pressure's on with Courtaulds only 23 miles ahead and CU 14 behind. Nip and tuck all the way. Exciting stuff (at last). And it's been a long time coming.

We've had an different few days this week as we trucked through a low over the American coast. Got down to the no. 3 and 2 reefs at ine stage. All too reminiscent of the Southern Ocean, and confirmed for most of us the resolution never to go back! Chilly with plenty of water over the deck, and us without dry suits this leg so queening around in Musto "you must be joking" foul weather gear. A bit of a slap in the face with a wet kipper, but what we needed. Good fun in a silly way, and a good shake-down after all the sloshing about in light winds and sunshine. But my, it's COLD up here! We're all wearing our entire wardrobe at once, though you may find one of your cabin mates wearing your spare T-shirts if you're up a little late! And we made some miles - doing 13 knots over the ground for many hours. Really lifted the crew, even though it has come a little late for us.

So, sunshine out now, spinnaker back up and the beach in sight. Down to our last few days of food but still going on morish fruit cake and crunchie cookies from the Compass Bakery in Cape Town. Have kept us going ever since the chocolate died at the Equator, and as popular as ever. Guaranteed to have us arriving in Boston a boatfull of porkers! But we'll still dive into that cheeseburger and beer as though we haven't seen food for a week. Can't wait! Looks like another middle of the night arrival. We'll try and arrange that better in Southampton.

By the time you read this I'll hopefully have a beer in hand and mustard and ketchup down my chin!

Yours, in sniffing distance of the new world, Sarah.