Noon Position: 33 50.6 S 151 19.9 E
Course: E Speed 5.5 knots
Wind: NNE F4 moderate breeze
Sea state: slight Swell: NE 1 meter
Weather: sunny, mild
Day’s run: 12nm

We are on our way.

This morning, after a somewhat restless night, I arose at 0700, had breakfast then at 0800 brought Sylph alongside RANSA to clear customs. The Border Force personnel turned up earlier than planned (originally 1000) and by 0830 the paperwork was complete and we were free to depart Port Jackson. However, friends had arranged to bid me farewell in Paul’s boat, Katinka, so after a few farewells from friends ashore, I got underway at 0920, motored clear of Rushcutters Bay, set sail then loitered in the vicinity of Bradleys Head until Katinka showed up, which was around 1020 and we started making our way down the harbour towards the Heads.

In hindsight I probably should not have waited for Katinka, a sprightly Northshore 31, because she sails much better to windward than old Sylph, especially in lighter airs. Consequently she had to wrap up a large part of her headsail and sail off the wind somewhat so as not to race past us. But once we were clear of the Heads and the breeze had freshened somewhat, Sylph came alive and we were soon holding our own against the smaller lighter boat.

Now Katinka has turned around back to Port Jackson and we continue East towards New Zealand, a bit over a thousand miles to go.

All is well.

Katinka bids Sylph farewell.