Rodney Bay, St Lucia. I spent yesterday with a guy from the sailmaker’s loft trying to repair the Furlex but despite our best efforts, we had neither the knowledge or other spare parts to effect the repair. I have decided that we will carry on to Antigua via Dominica using the Furlex simply as a forestay and use the yankee, no. 2 jib and staysail according to the weather conditions. This will be a good learning experience for Ian as people can get too accostomed to sailing conveniences and take them forgranted.

Two days ago we met Rafael, the Italian with whom Ian had become very friendly with in Lanzarote. It was good to catch up with him and listen to his gutar playing again.

At midday we head for Dominica and out ETA is 06.00 tomorrow morning.