’ello folks,

Well, another day racing for us. All went well and finally I think I got to see an albatross (in my head I thought it would be bigger?).

Well we have used the entire spinnaker wardrobe today; started with the Code 1, then the Code 2, and then three broaches later, the Code 3 then back to the Code 2!

The crew are all well with spirits high. Me and Hugo are scratching our heads a little trying to work out the best way to negotiate the windhole that will engulf us in the coming 24 hours, so as you sit down to your lunch today, please think of us as we frantically change from sail to sail, eeking out as much speed out of this little boat. As common with weather predictions, it’s only a prediction... so we get our updated forecast while most of you are waking up or having your ready-brek. Myself and our Sailing Frenchman will be crossing fingers and limbs,looking at the screen like it was election night, expecting the worst, hoping for the best and happy with somewhere in between.

So, over the last couple of days we have had a little issue with our windex not working. We can’t work out why because all the instruments are fine and working, we have our COG (course over ground) and depth position etc etc. But nout to do with wind. I see this as a blessing in disguise because I have been bangging on about the crew sailing to the windex for weeks (imagine a wind vane on top of a church but less elaborate). So our helms have been improving as time goes on, using thei hair and ears for highly sensitive wind indicators.

Right, it’s a lovely evening out on deck so I’d like to be excused and spend it with my crew. I think I can hear the discussion of what would you do if you had to deliver a baby on board. Not long to go now!

Josh and the crew of Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam.

P.S. we are now surfing at 15 knots to a full moon :) :) its 0530 your time.