Day Five

Tuesday 5th May 09 1800hrs
Position: 27 degrees 38min South, 178 degrees 45min East

We found the wind at 2am in the morning � a mild Southwesterly about 12 to 15 knots. We currently have the jib poled out and am making 5 to 6knots. We are officially half way. We have celebrated with butter chicken and homemade rolls for dinner. The evenings are getting darker earlier as we are moving slowly east. Just can�t believe we are so far from any where. We had originally planned to be in the middle of the Tongan fleet but they are one and half days behind. No boats or aeroplanes seen in the past few days. Beautifully clear night skies when its not raining with such a clear view of the Milky Way. Shooting stars have been a treat too. We are enjoying the opportunity to chat on night watches. We are however missing the contact from family and friends. � we hope the blog is up and running because its something we cannot see. Joy enjoyed being on deck with her favorite music (Pavarotti) on her night watch and no one to complain. Being a good day some of the crew (skipper included) stood on the deck and had a good old wash � can�t believe how good that feels.

Are keeping contact with a yacht �Liberation� on her way up. One of my colleagues Lars is on board � all well on that front Felicity.

Missing Josh so much we made our first and very expensive satellite phone call � very good quality and surprisingly little delay. Won�t be doing that again though. Satellite mail is fantastic and we look forward to contact. (as long as there are no pics).

Lots to do especially for the skipper � between watches, logs, blogs, pulling down radio faxes, keeping skeds, listening to weather forecasts, continually assisting members of the crew with little crises day and night the inevitably occur.

Skipper