We are getting on well, averaging the best part of 7 to 8kts, with lots of 10 to 12 kt surfs. I think the record stands at 14kts! A pretty conservative sail plan though as there are a lot of clouds around, and through the night we saw quite a few gusts up into the high 20s. The sea has calmed down a lot today and we are generally seeing wind from the SW at around 12 to 18kts.

The sea is getting warmer and so is the air. When we left the Bay of Islands it was 16.8, and just now it has hit 20.5 degrees. woohoo! The chill has gone from the air, which is a nice change. It was fresh enough through the night, with beanies, gloves and double jackets required.

The clouds are still out today, but just as I write this, I feel some sun on my face. For the first time since we left. This will be a nice change, as the wind generators alone, are not up to the task of keeping all our beer cold, and the other 'critical' systems running.

So today we have had to run the engines for ano hour or so to top the batteries up. And as luck would have it, one of the alternators decided now would be a good time to fail... Not entirely a surprise given how unreliable these alternators seem to be in this environment. Uncle Les to the rescue, tidying up some wiring and installing a new altnernator (attached photo). We are out of spares now, so please just work like you are supposed to! And could the sun come out as well!

Skipper out, and back to Sailing.



> >