In the meantime I have the sails to put back, Wichinox gel to treat the new standing rigging that is rusting more than I would have expected, AIS unit sent back to the UK for repair in the hope it will get there in time for Annie to bring it back out, genoa sheets to shorten, decks to clean, new hull and prop anodes to fit if needed, bimini and sprayhood to clean and waterproof. New nav lights at the bow will come out with Annie  (one has disappeared without trace, probably wrenched off by a genoa sheet or the boom preventer) together with the parts to fit a new flat alternator belt and the parts to connect the new engine control panel I bought on eBay.

Other diversions include testing the new triangular profile super stable tea pot, reading the several books I enthusiastically bought in the UK without thinking I should have downloaded them to my E-reader, discovering that by using one of our foldaway bicycles I won’t need to hire a car - assuming it is robust enough to last and I survive the near death experience of cycling on Seychelles roads (it’s even worse than Bristol where at least bicycles are commonplace). I am also listening to the cd’s left on board by children Charlotte and Alex before we set off seven years ago and discovering bands such as Libertines and Arctic Monkeys. And, most frustrating of all, I am trying to tie a Turks head knot on the central position of the steering wheel. I’ve used up 3GB of data watching Utube videos explaining how simple it is and I still can’t get beyond the initial turn of the line around the rim of the wheel.

Solace is in the form of daily morning coffee with Colin and Jon on board Endorphin Beta, at anchor close to the marina. Izzi has flown back to Scotland for a few weeks, desperate to be with family and friends again and Colin is hoping she will take up the return flight! Jon is also at anchor on Hecla of Uist and the three yachts are on similar itineraries to get to Cape Town before Christmas. Friday nights involve beer and supper at the yacht club over in the main harbour and Sunday afternoons feature a BBQ, again on board Endorphin.