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Firefly - Some Westing at last



It is very early on Saturday 17th September 2016 and Firefly is exiting the Channel between Banka and Sumatra. Since leaving Pangkor in Malaysia 8 days ago we have generally been heading South East. Soon we will turn to starboard and our course will be slightly West of South for the next 200 miles as we head for Krakatoa. Located in the Sundra Strait between Sumatra and Java it will be the only place we will stop in Indonesia. Our plan is to have 2 night respite there, before we venture into the Indian Ocean and sail the 620 mile passage to Cocos Keeling.

It will be good to be finally heading West. During this final section of Firefly's circumnavigation we will return to the Caribbean and that it is definitely West of here....in fact it is over 10,000 miles (as the crow flies) West to St Lucia!

As expected the wind has generally been light and on the nose as we have weaved our way along the Sumatra coast passing in between it and many off lying islands. That said we have sailed more than expected, probably about a third of the time so far and we have had a few blasts of wind that have meant reefing was needed. So far there have been less fishermen than we saw previously in Indonesia. Commercial traffic is in sight all of the time but not enough to cause any difficulties. The principal form of commercial shipping out here is a tug towing a heavily leaden barge. Sometimes they are not very well lit, nor do they have AIS, so do create some challenges - but they are very slow so there is plenty of time for avoidance if needed.

Life on board is currently comfortable as there no waves or ocean swell. It is very hot down below and cooking, navigation and sleep is only possible due to the 12 volt fans strategically placed in the saloon, galley and cabins. On deck it has been bearable due to the shade from the bimini and some breeze generally created by Firefly's motion. Hugh and Gareth have settled well into the 3 on 6 off routine and the new crew are doing well. We can also report that the lettuce mountain is diminishing gradually as we eat our way through it!

Paul, Gareth and Hugh

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