Today, the 18th, was supposed to see our departure from Padang. 

Well, we will not be leaving for close to another 2 weeks. Turns out that I was being overly optimistic in the timing of the SE trade wind patterns. Rather than those winds being at or about the hoped for 8 degrees S latitude, they are currently 360 miles further south down at about 14 degrees S. Seems like they are more likely to start moving north during May - hopefully, but with all the climate change happenings, who knows. Anyway, we need the assistance of those winds to carry us across the 1900 miles to Chagos, which is at about 5 degrees S, 78 degrees E.

So Mike and I will hang around here, maybe try to get to a couple of sightseeing spots, (I would like to get to see Borabador (sp?) on Java), and Chris will delay his departure from Sydney until the end of April.

Meanwhile, Teague has returned home to Santa Cruz - we are missing his youthful enthusiasm and pleasant disposition.

Apart from a few small projects like going to the top of the mast to check why the anchor light isn't working, I don't think there is much to be done on Galatea. Only once we pullout from Padang will the issues present themselves, as per usual!

Ok, that's it for now.

Cheers from Neil and Mike

- S/V Galatea