Bridgetown, Barbados, 13 16N, 59 39W. Now that the new year festivities are over, Ian and I are trying to plough through some of the jobs we have to do, such as repairing the steering system and the furlex gear. The boat was moved into a harbour a few days ago to make things easier and we are going to a fabrication workshop on Monday to try and get a new bracket made for the steering gear.

Barbados is a very friendly place and all the people we have dealt with regarding the boat couldn’t have done more, and Steve is making the most of his visit here by doing a lot of walking although he came back tonight utterly exhausted.

Ian has a friend, Louise, who is joining us on Thursday for a month, whilst the Steve leaves on the same day.

The departure date has yet to be firmed up as it depends on repairing the steering gear, but we are in no rush! We would like to wish Megan (Ian’s mother) and Laura (my English sis-in-law) a very happy birthday.