The seas built (Mike is reporting them at 5m) I was very pleased it was dark so I couldn't see them we trounced through them hour after hour. Luckily our self steering gear Ariel the Aries held a fabulous course until 4.30am when she had had enough (we knew how she felt) for a reason unknown. Hand steering was even more exhausting but with darkness, tiredness and winds consistently around 30 knots it was not the time to venture out of the cockpit. The sun thankfully came up and with over 22NM to run Mike ventured out and thankfully the lines just needed tightening on Ariel, she kept us sane.
The anxiety and stress was immense and the smaller pirates weren't too keen on the situation either :-( our trusty old Perkins engine ran for 21 hours alongside us without missing a beat we decided to go straight for Torquay as the closest port of refuge 500yards from the harbour entrance as the sails had come down she cut out!
Anchor down we contacted the harbour master who kindly towed us in and we are currently picking up the pieces and assessing the damage.
Boat is fine, crew are resting and I have less plates and cups to wash up! Unfortunately the engine has lost oil pressure so more investigation and parts are required but she deserves it.
On the plus side we have found a lovely town and area having been to Paignton Zoo yesterday. Signing off for now we will update again soon.
Much love to you all xx