We arrived in Bone Rate after a 30 hour trip. The sailing was glorious, the first 24 hours we shot along happily in a beam reach only slowing down as we approached the island of Bone Rate. But what a glorious sight in the sunlight. Long white beaches curved round to where in the far distance a large village was situated. Local boats of every shape and size cross the waters between the islands. Whether they are dugout canoes or larger vessels they put up small blue sails to assist their motors. The reefs stood out in the clear sunlight and we picked our way over the coral until we found a nice piece of sand to anchor in. A passing turtle poked his head up to say hello. Later we were joined by more yachts, five altogether all Australian.

The snorkeling here is tremendous, miles of coral with all sorts of fish. Some bits of coral have been dynamited, a local habit but in the main pristine coral heads. In one spot quite near the boat we found about 20 or so sting rays sunning themselves on the bottom, about 20 metres down. The sea was flat and the wind gentle - perfect conditions for a relaxing sundowner. Over night we had a visitor - an enormous locust bedded itself down in the cabin. Harmless but quite frightening about 9 inches long we reckon. Eventually next morning we persuaded it to fly off - not without some struggle.

We are now sailing South West towards the Flores and Komodo Islands.