On the bus, off the bus, and finally on again but then off
All of which means that we eventually got our clearance papers to leave last night, but the Skipper decided that since everyone was now geared to staying, we would risk Midnight Express type imprisonment and remain illegally in Bali untill the morning. So far so good; we slipped our moorings at just after six thirty am, and pausing only to allow a coaster to pass us and dock at the commercial quay, we were soon in the fairway leading out of Benoa. It was just after low tide, and the mud-banks loomed on either side. But the channel was plenty deep enough for Cloene, and for the large tanker who left us just enough room to squeeze past her as she negotiated a tight turn in the chanel. The wind was not enthusiastic, but with a couple of knots of tide in our favour, we were soon following La Boheme around the coast and are now heading towards Christmas Island (where we will not have time to stop) and Cocos-Keeling. The wind is still a bit fitfull, but with the Ghoster and the Mizzen Staysail flying, we are making nearly five knots. There are at least four of our companions around us, so we have plenty to see and plenty of people to chat to.
The sun shines, Bali is fading into the distance, the wind fills our sails, an Alex extravaganza is planned for this evening's meal, and there is a beer in the offing at lunch time. What more could Chris and the Skipper ask for?
All well with us, and best wishes to everyone,
James, Norfy (Chris) and Alex
Yacht Cleone