We should arrive in Mauritius tomorrow (14th October)
And when we do, you will be amongst the first to know. Meanwhile, in
gentler conditions, we plug along. The engine runs for a couple of hours
in the mornings and another in the evenings to charge the batteries. You
would be surprised how much power we use; there is the fridge, on permanently to
ensure cold beers, the insturments, the radios (the HF is particuarly thirsty)
the lights at night and the intermittent use of the Autopilot. So far we
have not used it to drive the boat on this leg, which will make a great
difference if we are interested in the competitive side of the Rally. We
try and pretend we are not, but I don't think that's what most of the other
boats believe.
Last night was demanding, technical sailing. We had hoisted the
Mizzen Staysail to give us more power, but the wind flared and died, and flicked
around, making it very difficult for the helmsman to make our proper
course. As we approach Mauritius, this is becoming more
important. We have to go around the North side of the island to the marina
in the harbour on the protected East Coast. Off the norther tip of
Mauritius, there is a narrowish gap between several islands, which will anyway
demand accurate navigation. The chart promises currents either with or
against us, giving no clues as to which way they run at what stage of the tide,
and who knows whether the lone light-house will be working. So in the
small hours of tomorrow morning, no doubt the Skipper will be whiling away his
time at the chart table again, and occasionally making the rest of us make
miniscule alterations in our course, trimming and re-trimming the sails all the
while.
Well, that's sailing for you. Never mind the exciting new places and
sight-seeing, at the end of the day, that is what we are here for.
It's not been a record breaking day; nevertheless, 158 miles helps us well
on our way.
All well with us, and best wishes to
everyone,
James, Norfy (Chris) and Alex