Land is not quite yet in sight but the birds are more plentiful and we have less than 100 miles to go - quite a relief given the absence of David and Janette's breadmaking skills.

The combination of British and Australian humour has proved entertaining with the need for translation gradually reducing as we have got to know each other better. With the prospect of arriving in Newcastle at about the same time as the England-Australia rugby match at Twickenham, the tension is mounting.

After 36 hours of limited wind the breeze kicked in nicely last night, with gusts up to 25, which has persisted during today, which has been the first with a cloudy sky.

While the culinary standard has been high we are all looking forward to a meal ashore, which may or may not happen tomorrow, depending on whether we will be allowed to leave the boat by the immigration authorities. Once again Zephyr is arriving in port at a weekend!

After clearing in Newcastle we then proceed up the coast for 50 miles to Nelson Bay where Zephyr will take a well earned rest.

2017 has been the most amazing year for her and I cannot thank the following enough for their help in getting her from UK to Australia: David Sharples, Bruce Baker, Patrick Bellville, Bill Bullard, George Bullard, Chris Copeland, Steve Crook, Janette Danel, Carolan Dobson, Henry Faire, Ali Graham, Aurora Hicks Beach, Jeff Lawson, Gonzalo Nandin, Rob Palmer, Seth Pearlman, Lola Velasco and James Willis.

Looking forward to sailing with you all again!