At 11:30 we let our lines go, and with a strongish wind pushing us against the wall we slid along it until clear of its end, turned west and headed out, once again, into the Indian Ocean. Perfect conditions for about 1-2 hours, bright sun, 15 knots directly on our beam and Shearwater raced ahead. But things were to change, as expected, and am now motoring in dead calm seas-one engine pushing us at about 4 knots.

Putting aside the fact that for this leg, a windless sea is not what we really want, it is a peaceful lovely state.....a becalmed sea.

Tonight, I will try to get some sleep as I slept rather poorly the last week in Mauritius, a manifestation of the slight apprehension I feel for this leg to S Africa. Lets hope the winds pick up and we can put some miles behind us. Goodnight.