Just a quick update as we near the Australian coast. 200 miles to go to Rivergate Marina, Brisbane. After a great start with record matching mileages we are now running out of wind. The good news is, that suits us nicely as at earlier speeds we were going to arrive on Saturday or Sunday which means overtime rates for the Customs, Immigration and Bio Polis. Given they already charge $45 per 15 minutes, PER FIFTEEN BLOODY MINUTES!!!!!!!!, and that this exorbitant amount rises to $95 in weekend overtime, we don't mind taking our time out here 'till Monday.

We've been spending the days productively though, polishing the stainless, cleaning the windows and a general spring cleaning of all the cupboards. There's a list of foodstuff the Bio Polis don't want to see on board. Consequently, we're eating like starved dogs. (Domesticated pets, not the North Korean kind) However, as we can't eat everything, there's some ship's stores going overboard namely eggs, flour, oil and honey. Therefore, here's our Notice to Mariners; "Mariners are advised to keep a good look out for a large cake floating somewhere around 26 00S 156 13E."



S&A