Party on the foredeck

Here's Sam's last email from out in the Atlantic, dated Tuesday 8 December:

Had an urgent invitation to a party on the foredeck in the early hours after the poled out jib sheet broke and the sail wrapped around the forestay. Why do these things happen in the middle of the night when you are asleep? Anyway, Alan and I were out there trying to recover the lazy sheet, straighten out and furl the sail, recover the lazy sheet and re-reeve it, while at the same time dodging an evil swinging pole (nothing to do with your Warsaw people)  that threatened to take out the forestay (now that would have been fun). Took about 30 mins invlding  re-set. Today's task will be to replace the other sheet.

I'm getting good at balancing in 2m swells. More squalls to follow, but mostly rain with winds about 25 kts max.  Back on course and hoping to finish at about 1700 local tomorrow, will text you when it happens.

[This trip is] definitely a one off for me. Alan pleased to get World Service, but having heard horrible tales of brutality etc in Africa and more economic gloom stories, I wonder why we are so keen to get back to "civilisation". T. Pratchett v good, must read  more. Don't know which came first but there are clear parallels with Hitch Hiker's Guide.

Did I get it right about Gatwick arrivals. It says eta 9 something and two stars with a note that says arrives following day. Very confusing , especially as we are now into our third time change on the boat. What's wrong with UTC all the way, I say.

Take care of yourself. I miss you hugely. Love to all.