21/7/19 , 1630 local, Pos 14 57'N, 113 36'E, We're currently just south of the Paracel Islands, which China lays claim to. The wind has been from the SW and today South, which meant we took a starboard tack and were able to achieve more south in our journey. Alas, the wind has moved back to the SW and we have tacked again and are now on a port tack heading once again for Vietnam. At least we got ourselves out of the disputed area and have avoided confrontation with the Chinese navy . The wind and current took us too far north of our intended track so we weren't spying. It feels however, a bit like groundhog day as we are sailing the same course as part of yesterday but just south of it. Eventually we will make the Vietnam coast or just off it. We would like the wind to go back south again or better still SE would be ideal.

Just as I sat down to write a small pod of totally grey, with no patterning, dolphins swam alongside the boat to check us out. They may have been sent by the Chinese navy. Having satisfied their curiosity they have gone. They aren't the bow riding types obviously or had another important mission. We have continued to have visits from a few sea birds, mostly boobies and their young ones. There is another smaller bird which looks a bit like a large tern but cant be sure. I witnessed one have an accident today. He swooped down to chase a fish but a small peak rose in the water as he was diving and he belly flopped right into it. That must have hurt. It didn't seem like a very well planned dive. Animals, and birds have accidents too. He was able to fly right up again and have another attempt without belly flopping. A young bird me thinks.

Speaking of animals having accidents, John's foot continues to improve. The day we left, and without saying much until the last minute, showed me his left foot, which was beginning to swell and bruise. It looks for all the world like a stress fracture so advised icing and elevation. The swelling and bruising and pain got worse until today. Now it seems to have reached an improvement stage. It wasn't until a few days after we left that he confessed to having dropped the 25 litre (25 kilos) water can on the top of his foot. That would certainly be enough to break a bone or two. I have been doing a bit more in running around as a result so will be pleased when he is a little more mobile. So will he!

Here's hoping for a wind change but I don't hold much hope in its soon arrival. You never know though. Until tomorrow. John and Ginni