5 September 2010
The best part of the day was spent sailing off the coast of Roti, a tiny island lying to the south western of Timor, Voyageur just managing to ghost along under poled out genoa in what could be described as no more than a gentle sea breeze. Off the south western tip of Roti the seas heaped up, due in part to a two knot current set in opposition to the swell, but more because here the depths plummet from a few hundred metres to over a thousand. This was the gateway between the Timor Sea which we now leave behind and the Indian Ocean and coincidentally the halfway point of this passage to Bali.
Christos from Lady Ev 1V hailed us on the VHF. They had been slowly gaining on us throughout the day and were now abeam of us. We fondly remembered the many days in the Pacific when we were within sight of one another. They always keep a respectful distance which we so appreciate especially at night. Sunset was a particularly spectacular affair. It was like a grand theatrical debut into the Indian Ocean, the sky a blaze of colour. If we have to motor we prefer to do so during daylight hours. I find it was quite impossible to sleep below due to engine noise, preferring to stretch out in the cockpit. It is cooler too. Thankfully there was just enough of a breeze last night to sail throughout the night.
Today,(Sunday) we are motoring along the south coast of Sumba. It is a shame that we cannot revisit these islands. The whole archipelago of Indonesia is a wonderful cruising ground and less visited by yachts than any of those in the Pacific. But we are now into September and the cyclone season in the Indian Ocean is not too far away. We must arrive in South Africa by early November. Time is marching on......
Susan Mackay