Suwarrow
Farr Gone Blog
Stuart Cannon
Thu 23 Jun 2011 06:02
Before dinner we all went to the pass through the reef on the seaward side of the island to view the sharks feeding time. It is quite incredible to watch 10 to 20 sharks swimming in very shallow water within a couple of feet of you. Naturally I chose a large rock to stand on to ensure the good health of my toes. They are very quick and can swim in much shallower water than I thought possible.
I prepared the boat today for departure in the morning. I will go into shore briefly tomorrow to say goodbye then hope to be under way by 8am. for the final leg to Apia. It is around 500 miles and with the trades behind me I should make it in less than 5 days. If I push it I could probably do it under four but there is not that much rush and I need to preserve the good health of the boat so I'll probably cruise. We shall see what mother nature provides.
Funny thing this sailing. I can honestly say that even though I have been predominately solo I have met more people and more interesting characters than ever. I have made many friends and its a certainty that we will stay in touch. The internet has made tracking your friends and the adventures they have very easy and enjoyable. The people who undertake these voyages are from very diverse backgrounds but their love of sailing is obvious and is the common thread. Although the styles are very different, some sailing heavy cruisers, some in fast boats and some in small and not that well equipped boats, everybody is very respectful of each others choices and there is no competition regarding what is best. That sort of thing only seems to happen amongst those who don't go way out. The other thing that stands out is the generosity of long distance sailors. If one can help another they do without hesitation. If only the whole world could develop the attitude that I have seen amongst these people.