We have investigated the twist in the single line reefing system as best we can from outside the boom. Reefing the sail is still smooth and easy but letting the reefing line out again involves pulling it by hand from both the front and back of the boom before hoisting the mainsail. Better than the other way around but full investigation will require removal of the boom ends and re-riveting them back on afterwards. Fingers crossed there is a rigger in Galapagos but it seems unlikely.

Our beloved Hydrovane is back in action. It seems it cannot cope with the light variable wind of the Doldrums. Fortunately overnight and throughout today it has been a steady 15kts or so from the south east and the Hydrovane has been back to its usual reliable self. This means that we are zooming south westwards at a steady 6kts or so and have passed the half way point. Lighter wind is forecast before the weekend but then should return on Saturday to waft us to our destination.

This morning I was woken by loud squawking from just above the front cabin that I took to be circling seabirds. Tom was on watch at the time and watched them perched on the pulpit. Our Galápagos book shows us they are Red Footed Boobies. As I was preparing the kedgeree for breakfast (tinned tuna rather than the fresh fish we have failed to catch) they returned and Annie photographed them.They have prehensile toes as well as web feet and so can perch on the rail. Confusingly there appears to be two colour variants - one a fawn colour with blue beak and red feet the other white with black flight feathers on the wings, blue beak, pink cheeks and red feet. The white one didn’t seem able to perch on a rail and so perched on the arch over the cockpit, crapping copiously onto the spray hood. Fortunately I was able to recycle the dirty washing water from my tee shirts and use it to clean the hood. Much mirth from the crew about what the sealions in the Galápagos will do on the back of the boat……….. Later the white one decided to be our figurehead.

Shortly afterwards we were visited by another school of Pantropical Spotted Dolphins. These were very active but didn’t think much of Annie’s fishing line, splashing frantically as they brushed against it. The line was retrieved and they thanked us by swimming photogenically around the boat. On leaving, one of the dolphins did a rapid series of enormous leaps out of the water. We are not sure whether this was the signal for all the others to leave also (which they did) or just an enthusiastic goodbye.