August 22

Carrying forth with last evening's demolition of hubris, spinnaker halyard parted allowing drifter to stream aft alongside port hull as dawn broke (et tu universe?). After heaving to (hoving to) to retrieve soppy mess, unfurled yankee, returned to course, rolled out staysail and proceeded onward, less directly, with reduced speed. After tidying deck, went below for wash-up to discover pressure water pump had decided to join the parade leaving galley hand pump as only source for fresh water. Adding to the list: head sink is clogged (not that this is of great import given no water), fan CB has tripped and will not reset, air is getting into fuel line causing engine to stop or surge, although rod and reel were saved lure is likely hanging from a big tuna lip and holder is now unreliable. Have decided that the only rational course is to double tie mooring, assume fetal position with large glass of scotch and go to my happy place until it's all better. A slightly more activist approach may, however, ultimately be necessary.

- Later

Although far too mellow for any cogent entry, should add that water pump was fixed with relative ease (this phrase is somewhat removed from 'easy'), requiring shifting of only a quarter of boat contents to discover a faulty terminal connector. Insufferable body odor held at bay for yet another day.

Just as boat is secured on its mooring off Alofi around 1700L (with uncanny precision it should be noted), a total stranger, speaking a very Scotish version of English, approaches offering dinner and libation on his boat, not necessarily in that order. John & Chris, feeling sorry, presumably, for a poor single- hander, ply me with gin and tonics, in unfortunately large quantities, then a South African cabernet sauvignon while feeding dinner and offering delightful discourse. This solo thing, like carrying a cute puppy, is a great scam, allows meeting interesting people and prevents starvation and the evil of sobriety.

Monograph on adversity enhancing subsequent pleasure to follow... or not.

Jack