Finally at sea. I decided to stay at anchor last night in Lauroka as I
was fairly knackered by the time I finally got the dinghy stowed away
again. That and a couple of stiff drinks after the slow and problematic
day. As it turns out they didn't inspect so it didn't make any
difference. The good bit is I found out about the broken impeller which
meant I could have a spare. Had to drive in a cab halfway back to Port
Denerau to get it though. Oh well.
The annoying thing about Lauroka was definitely the dirt. The boat was
caked in it this morning. Really annoying because I have just cleaned
the boat, well I did hire divers to clean the bottom but the topsides
were sparkling until this black soot descended on the boat. Mixed with
rain it turned into a black mess that you couldn't help walking through
the boat. Half an hour with a bucket has it fixed.
In the open ocean once more though and it feels good. The wind is coming
from the south west at around 20kts so I'm shy reaching or even nearly
beating and the waves are a little side on to be relaxing but we are
making 7 knots with just the headsail. I've been thinking about putting
up the main but that will involve some work and hand steering so I'm
being a little cruisey.
Raised the anchor at 6.15am as it was windless at the time and the wind
seems to come around 7am. It made it easy to get the anchor up although
an American gentleman was roused from his slumbers when I got close to
his boat. The noise of the chain must have woken him. Got away without
hitting anything which is always a bonus.
I diverted slightly to go sail around an island that is for sale. They
are certainly available here and that one seems great value. Always of
interest.
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