We are sailing in great sunshine but expect it not to last as a low pressure system is developing between us and the coast. The positive side of this low pressure system is that we will be sailing downwind almost through to the end of the trip. We are expecting 35+ knots of wind tonight with some rain squalls and possible thunder and lightening. We have just under 500 miles to go and I have been monitoring the ice situation in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it seems there is plenty of ice left from the long winter and late Spring thaw. With a carbon hull on the boat it’s very fragile and susceptible to sharp objects in the water, I have decided to make a stop in Halifax for a week or so to give the ice a chance to clear.