Position 19:24.6S 153:18.327E

Well we have what we wished for, slight seas and a lovely sunny day, although very little wind so we are having to motor and tow…….

In the early hours of this morning we had to turn around and take on the role of international rescue again when Fai Tira reported engine failure.

They had been busy through the night changing fuel filters and trying to sort out the problems but eventually their engine gave up and died !

Angel had been shadowing them for back up but they are too small to tow a 20 ton steel boat so we motored back 11 miles to meet up with them.

We took a weather forecast which predicted no wind for the next few days and so took the decision to take Fai Tira under tow – no minor feat as we have 300 miles to go !

We tried transferring the tow line on a fender but loose lines in the water meant we couldn’t manoeuvre and risk getting the prop tangled in them so we then managed to transfer the tow line by throwing it across.

Everything went to plan so we are now towing at a steady 5-6 knots, Fai Tira say they have never been so fast !

We estimate we will be arriving at the Hydrographers passage around 6pm tomorrow evening and we will have to keep a good look out as we make the 120 mile trip through the reef as there is a lot of traffic in the passage.

Angel are standing by us and Bionic are catching up too so we have plenty of look outs and support as we go through.

So our ETA has been postponed to Monday early evening, it would be nice to arrive in the light as it is going to  be tricky mooring up –  but I am sure we will think of a plan !   

Anyway better make the most of a sun bathing day and I need to keep a watch on the tow lines so that Mark can catch up with some sleep.