Sometimes no matter what one does one cant avoid the inevitable. This morning I awoke to a large rip in the mainsail, about a yard long. I had put up a bit more sail last night in order to squeeze an extra knot or two of speed. The winds were pleasant of about 12 knots or so but that sideways motion prevailed and in one of the slams back and forth, the main ripped. I can still use the sail up to the third reef - the smallest section is left usable. Its done...have to look ahead and make the best of it.

Winds are back to about 6-8 knots and I estimate meeting my waypoint 150 miles off the tip of Madagascar on Thursday-lets hope the weather cooperates.....pray for anything but westerlies....