Well, how lucky are we? To be on a beautiful boat, in a magnificent ocean, with great company and near perfect weather....if this isn't paradise, paradise must indeed be grand! The battle for the cruising ashes continues. The Aussies are in front in the language competition with both James and Micky constantly having to call for replays of what the Aussies just said, though Micky is clawing some ground back in the grammar stakes. The Eton backed team have stolen a hard fought victory in the culinary division, with James proving to be a master of innovation (read desperation) and enlisted Sheena as a substitute fielder and followed Micky's field placements immaculately. The Aussies protested the result on the grounds of outside interference but as they had had seconds, the appeal was dismissed. Proof of how close this competition has been can be demonstrated by the fact that all competitors have gained weight .... On a sailing trip! The sailing test has the Aussies conceding victory with two days to go. Micky outperformed allcomers with a blinding finishing dash of 11.3knts. This followed his runaway win in the Navigation stakes with his parting of the waters effort in avoiding some nasty rain squalls. One observer commented on it being a truly religious experience! The trip may be nearly over, thank heaven for memories, what a tresure they will be. We have logged nearly 800 miles and should reach Newcastle around 1a.m.UTC on 19th.