Today is my (Cindy’s) birthday. I woke up late, on a catamaran on the Atlantic Ocean. It is sunny, the winds are sufficient, the sailboat is wonderful, and the company is exceptional.

Yulia and Kirill welcomed me to the cockpit with hugs, cheek kisses and a birthday gift: a beautiful scarf they purchased in Antigua. We will post a picture when we are able.

This morning we had the 12-4 a.m. watch. Winds were light and from a slightly “wrong” direction. We had to sail a bit off course to remain sailing. Yulia had to motor the last two hours of her watch.

We deployed the Screecher about 9 a.m. We have been sailing since then (it is 1:00 p.m. eastern time)

This afternoon we listened to an eclectic and enjoyable selection of music: Country, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Oldies, Reggae, Opera, and a variety of Russian music. Yesterday we also listened to Cuban music. We learned that Kirill is a musician, which helps explain his great taste in all forms of music.

Yulia and Kirill offered one more birthday surprise for our late afternoon meal. They presented me with a bottle of Argentinian Sauvignon Blanc, called Santa Julia. I told Yulia that it was her wine. Michael and I split it. It tasted mighty fine!

Santa Julia wine

After dinner, we did what we do: we talked. We thoroughly enjoy our time with our new Russian friends! Our conversations cover a wide variety of topics, although we try to avoid politics. Ha!