Motored all the way in light headwinds and big swell. Picked up one of the public moorings on the advice of our friends on Ariel1, who we last saw in Dolphin Reef. Went for a snorkel to check out mooring. Tackle appears very new, less than 6 months old but appears to be anchored to reef below the sand as the chain comes out of the sand with no mooring block visible.
Position 24° 57.457′ N 35° 00.910′ E
COG 329T
SOG 1.9kt
Log 11,120 nm
Engine 372.9 h
Weighed anchor in light wind conditions for a 20 mile passage to Samadai Reef, following the channel behind the reefs. The anchorage was very secure and quiet overnight and the forecast strong northerlies never materialised.
Position 24° 39.190′ N 35° 08.672′ E
COG 335T
SOG 4.5kt
Log 11,098 nm
Engine 367.9 h
After a day of mostly motoring and a couple of hours windward sailing in lumpy seas we anchored in calm water in 12m over sand and coral patches. Very snug. One could certainly ride out a gale here, as long as it is from the North-East.
Position 24° 37.126′ N 35° 10.843′ E
COG 329T
SOG 2.4kt
Log 11,098 nm
Engine 367.9 h
Woke up to NW winds of about 10 knots and a forecast for lighter winds all day until about midnight. It means motoring, but we will put 46 miles in the bank by going to Gez Wadi Gimal today while conditions allow. Missed out on snorkelling Dolphin Reef unfortunately.
Position 24° 09.478′ N 35° 42.451′ E
COG 042T
SOG 0.0kt
Log 11,051 nm
Engine 360.9 h