15:33.98S 06:20.84W

 

We slipped our lines and motored out of the harbour. The sea is absolutely flat with very little wind forecast for a few days, so we are heading north west to get the trades when eventually they turn up. Until then it will be a bit of motoring and some light spinnaker work. Talking of which, we have managed to get ‘Pinky’ repaired, well almost. The local upholsterer has an industrial sewing machine, but not with zig-zag stitching capability. He has however done a very good job considering, so we shall see if we can make the sail last until Brazil, where there is a very good sail maker who can make him as good as new. Until then we just have to watch Chris carefully!!

 

No sooner are we out at see and the dramas start, Tim G picking out some full English from his teeth suddenly says ‘Oh sh*t!’ as his bridge falls out into his hand. To the rescue comes the offshore dental kit and we have him epoxied back together again. It was either that or a diet of blended drinks for the duration of the trip! Clare and I came out in sympathy by getting out our Dr Bucks ‘hillbillies’.

 

We have supper – a nice 10 lb Mahi Mahi decided to leap onto one of our lines, which will be delicious. Especially as we had a very sudden comedown from the culinary delights of Cape Town to the really rather appalling food of St Helena.