In the early hours of the morning our favourable wind dropped completely. Time to motor to keep up our speed towards Brunswick....ah - but what was that vibration with the propeller engaged - certainly not sustainable as the engine shook violently on its mounting rubbers. So idling speed - 2knots only as we crept northward.

As soon as light crept over the horizon, stopped the boat and a "shallow" swim revealed the sail drive rubber seal wrapped around the propeller. The new seal had only been glued on back in Oct last year - not even 6 months! Too much hull motion to diver properly to clear the fouling meant we were effectively engine-less - no problem - we have the sails and a strong wind coming (from the north). Only problem will be entering a port and docking - but then that's a problem for later!

As it on cue - along came the strong northerly. No more time to think about the propeller, sails set for a gusty Force 5-6, Tacking to make progress in building seas.

No evening sundowners, 3rd night out beginning to get tired....but sailing on into some rough weather!