Still trucking along...

Position: 9.08S, 124.92W

We are still trucking along through the Pacific. I hope you are all well and happy. We are! We have decided to each write a small bit to put on the website – which incidentally we have not personally seen for some time. But thanks for all the comments. It makes us feel not so far away from you all.



Geoff: After we left the Galapagos Islands (which in itself was 900 miles after Panama), we headed to the south west beginning a 3000 mile journey to the Marquesas. The wind has been really steady, with about 10 to 15 knots day after day. On Tuesday afternoon, it shifted in direction and has been blowing from the east ever since. From a sailing perspective, there are 2 really difficult points of sail. If the wind is either right in front, or right behind, it is hard to maintain a course to the destination. On Tuesday after heading further and further off course to be able to keep the boat moving forward, we thought that we would try out the incredibly large spinnaker and see if we could run straight with the wind. It is a massive thing – very powerful. But it has been up ever since – now 3 days! We are achieving about 8 knots of boat speed in 10 knots of wind. This yacht is quite amazing, and we are yet to discover any occasion where it struggles to perform. When the wind increases to about 15 knots, it is not uncommon to be pulled along at well over 10! Phil, I think we are seriously going to have to discuss Hamilton Race Week!

As for mind space, I am still in absolute awe as to the size of this ocean. We have cut through a tiny slice along one path across this bit of the Pacific, and it just goes on and on. So far, after leaving Panama, we are up to a grand total of 2 other boats that we have seen along the way. It is a very empty space! We feel like we are achieving now that there is less than 1000 miles to the next landfall, but in reality it is still a very long way. That means plenty of time to contemplate all sorts of things and where life or the way it is directed might take each of us in the future. It is kind of nice to have that forced break from bills, work, and the other things that seem normal at home. The ONLY important things out here are the yacht that is all we have to survive, and the maintenance of a good relationship with the other person. That takes some concentration from time to time, but it is perhaps far easier with 2 people that have a similar outlook on things as Pete and I seem to. It is funny in a way that I am not sure what changes there will be to my life when I get home, but I am sure that there will be something on the cards! If you ever remotely have the opportunity to do this sort of thing, jump at it and don’t let anything stop you – it is truly life changing! Will have to wait till I get back to discover just what that means though...Pete’s turn now…hang on! Could be a rough ride here


Peter (Iggle): Looking forward to my early dementure. I am not on the boat much now. After leaving Antigua with its colonial overtone, passing Columbia in the dark, Panama was a wonderful movie – “R” rated and at your own risk. Our first port – Colon in Panama made Baghdad look like the Hilton. Chaos, crime and rubbish filled the streets. The Panamanians and their Spanish created complete confusion. I don’t know if I’ll ever go back there, but I am glad I did once.

No boat is hassle free, but this one only has a few. She wants to go to Mooloolaba. I think she remembers you Clay! French Polynesia is just around the corner, and I am hoping for more Polynesia than French. The only thing I miss is the people I love, Belinda the pig and toblerone chocolate. Geoffrey won at cards the other night. He has 7 days at the Betty Ford clinic. Thank you for your little bits of news. Nobody plays football in the Pacific. Sooner or later the wind will give us a beating. Sleep with one eye open. Looking forward to some dirt on my feet. Thanks again.



(not as bad as I thought he might be!) See you soon, Geoff and Pete