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BRIZO - 8 October 2012



We are nearly half way across the Indian Ocean, expecting to arrive in Mauritius next Tuesday. We have been experiencing high winds (gusts to 42 kts) and large seas (12-15 ft), definitely more than originally forecast. As a result we have been enjoying a fast passage but suffering an uncomfortable ride. There have been times when a majority of the crew has been unable to function normally because of illness. We are very fortunate to have Karson with us as additional crew.

Our stop in Cocos Keeling was great, the islands were probably the most beautiful of all the places we've visited on the Rally so far. This is a remote territory of Australia and as a result, has decent infrastructure considering that less than 700 people live there. Still, it is at the very end of the supply chain and the goods and services which are available to visitors is limited and expensive. The islands have an indigenous Malay population of approx 450 people and meeting some of the residents was interesting because of their cultural background. The beaches and tropical vegetation was the exact image most people have in their mind as to what the perfect tropical island should look like, and we had a great time snorkeling and having beach-front barbecues. There is an inter-island ferry to take people between the two inhabited islands and we enjoyed exploring. Two of the highlights were an art gallery constructed inside an old, former ferry which has been brought ashore and restored; and an aquaculture farm where colorful tropical clams were grown for world-wide export to collectors.

Cocos Keeling is also a frequent stop for refugees with several boats arriving during our stay. Most of the refugees come from Sri Lanka and have a much longer passage than the boats going from Indonesia to Christmas Island. One can only wonder what is happening to the refugees currently making this passage in their rickety old fishing boats in conditions which are challenging to us in purpose-built, well maintained sailboats designed to handle the rough weather we have been experiencing for several days...


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