Goodbye Porto Madryn

Repairs completed the engine, shaft and propeller was running smooth, the winds softening and ready for a turn to take us south. The Commodore said do not leave before twelve. Bless everyone had organised a leaving regatta for us. There were tears in our eyes, Cowes week and Henley were nothing on this. The Optimist school had donned fancy dress. The small sailing craft danced all around Hollinsclough. Ribs large and small tore out of the shore whisking up white water circles around us as everyone came to say goodbye. The Commodores launch flew sign flags for good wind.

In the entire world our hearts have never been as touched as by the kindness of the people of Porto Madryn. A send of fit for the Queen of England. We saluted with our colours turned about with such sadness to leave and set west across the bay of Golfo Nuevo. We will remember Porto Madryn forever.

A short thirty five mile leg in the afternoon sunshine to Piramides for a sheltered sleep in the small cove before a run south to Deseado.

Position 10/02/2009 9pm local 42.34.70 S 064.16.90 W