After discussions with Edward Hayes and William Cox, captain and master of "Golden Hind," Gilbert decided on 31 August to return. The fleet made good speed, clearing Cape Race after two days, and was soon clear of land. Gilbert had stepped on a nail on the "Squirrel" and, on 2 September, went aboard "Golden Hind" to have his foot bandaged and to discuss means of keeping the two little ships together on their Atlantic crossing. Gilbert refused to leave "Squirrel" and after a strong storm they had a spell of clear weather and made fair progress. Gilbert went aboard "Golden Hind" again, visited with Hayes, and insisted once more on returning to "Squirrel", even though Hayes insisted she was over-gunned and unsafe for sailing. Nearly away from Cape Race, near the Azores, they encountered high waves of heavy seas, "breaking short and high Pyramid wise", said Hayes.