00:28.04N 104: 26.74E

We are now north of the equator at the beautiful island of Benan.  It is almost as if they have kept the best to last.  After leaving the equator party beach the fleet sailed or rather motored north nearly every boat taking a different course through the myriad of islands, channels and reefs.  It was extraordinary suddenly seeing all the yachts appear on the AIS screen as we all approached same waypoint at the entrance to Benan from so many different directions.  The island is tiny, and the anchorage is excellent with a gentle breeze most of the time but it is still very hot.  When it is still, especially at night it is really hot and humid!

Our friend BJ from Penuba is here and his restaurant is perfectly situated with a balcony at the end of the pier.  His cooking is excellent, he has a great team working for him and a huge cold box full of ice, Carslberg and Bintang beer.  The fleet is very happy.

As we have already checked out of Indonesia this is going to be the perfect place for Tashi Delek to wait until it is time to go north to Singapore to meet Carol.