The fleet left Mauritius this morning in light wind for the overnight passage to Reunion. First over the line was consistently good starter John Hayman with Chantelle who cut it very fine this time then for some reason performed a spectacular headsail drop into the water moments after starting. Luckily this manoeuvre was close enough to the committee boat for a good picture to be taken, see the gallery. A spokesperson from Chantelle was unable to comment but the thinking behind this unconventional tactic will be sought in Reunion. Next over was Talulah Ruby very closely followed by Northern Sky. Kealoha 8 came storming though the fleet under spinnaker to take an early lead while our usual leader Branec was almost last over having been delayed leaving the marina.

The social program in Mauritius wound down over the last couple of days with the Prize giving ceremony on Thursday where local officials and government representatives came to meet the participants and enjoy an evening of food and music in Caudan. Robert Desvaux chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority presented the prizes, paintings by a local artist. They proved very popular with James from Cleone who won class C describing them as the best prizes so far.

On the last night Norfy, one of Cleone’s crew who had been staying in the hotel recovering from a knee injury, invited all to his ‘new residence’ to return the hospitality he has enjoyed on the boats. As Norfy has been wearing a bandage for the last few days the crews all turned up wearing their own bandages in tribute. Some got very creative with fake blood and very convincing limps leading to rumour among the hotel guests of mass car crashes or fights at the skippers briefing. All had a great night and the evening ended with a round or two sponsored by Admiral Marine Insurance who’s representative Dave Andrew was in town to visit their clients among the fleet.