Noon Position: 33 25.7 S 150 55.9 E
Course: S Speed: 3.5 knots
Wind: ESE, F2-3 – slight to gentle breeze
Sea: slight Swell: ESE 1.5m
Weather: overcast, occasional showers, mild
Day’s run: 99 nm

We ended up resorting to the BRM for a short while yesterday afternoon until the wind firmed up sufficiently to keep the sails full. At 1615 I set the code zero which pulled us along at a two to three knots. Around sunset some dark clouds were gathering in the East so, not wanting to be caught out in a squall with the code zero up in the dark, I handed the large red sail and unrolled the jib in its place.

Conditions continued variable overnight but we managed to keep Sylph moving without further need for the engine. The forecast suggested that we should remain about ten miles off the coast during the night to avoid calm patches closer in, which we did but unfortunately out here we found a North setting current of about half a knot, which in the light winds has not helped our progress at all. Nonetheless, we have managed to make good just under a hundred miles with which I am well satisfied.

We are expecting continuing light winds for the net 36 hours, then hopefully we will get some fresher winds from the North to help us on our way to Melbourne.

As for the distressed vessel I mentioned yesterday, as we headed South I could here radio conversations continuing into the night about the situation. A number of vessels, including a police launch and a Navy patrol boat, and a helicopter were searching for the vessel but at around 2200 when we lost radio contact it was clear that the vessel had still not been found. I would be interested to know if anyone in the Sydney area has heard any news about the incident. Fingers crossed ...

All is well