Getting ready has hit a few problems...

Monday 11th February

At 10 this morning we were all set to leave the dock, although we weren't leaving till 11.30, then the generator stopped - lastic in the water intake for the cooling. Up I went and removed it from the filter. Fitted the spare impeller and now I cannot get the pump to circulate the water! There is obviously a piece of broken impeller in the system - tomorrow's job.

Then Mum went up to get a refund on 4 pass cards I had put $15 on deposit. Back she comes looking for the small receipt. Away again and eventually comes back with a fistfull of dollars.

The laptop flatly refused to work properly, so Rob went off and bought an almost new one from one of the Oz boats. We spent some time setting it up for the sat emails, and then I reinstalled all the same stuff on mine as well and so its working as well. The mouse is improving, but not OK.

We left the dock at about 11.45 and motored out to a late start. Up went the sails and while the wind lasted we passed 3 boats. Once the wind died down the engine went on and is still on. Doing 8 knots with engine & mainsail only. We are prepared to motor the whole way rather than slop around. Bruce the Weatherman says there will be more wind now & again.