ose reached the rest of the night in 8-12 knots of NNW breeze and flat seas. Pity about almost a knot of adverse current as we were making 5.5 to 6 knots in the water but only averaged 4.5 knots over the ground. No fishing boats or buoys since entering the deep water last night (over 2,000m deep here) and only a couple of cargo vessels that we were well clear of. Pretty easy night. At 7am we had made 124 miles since leaving the anchorage in Cochin. Adjusted course to leave Androth Island (in the Lakshadweep Group) to port. Motoring directly into 5-8 knots of NW wind with about half a knot of current against us. LOG 7,920nm since Sydney.

Position 10° 32.553′ N 74° 11.424′ E
COG 320T
SOG 5.2kt
Log 7,920 nm

Wind has dropped to about 10 knots. Still sailing a close reach with two reefs, managing 5-6 knots in the water. About a knot of current against us. Sea state is pretty good. Smacking off the occasional wave when speed builds. Can’t be bothered to shake reefs out now so we’ll keep going like this till sunrise. We’ve made about 96 miles since departure so we should hit around 125 miles for the first 24 hours.

Position 10° 29.942′ N 74° 59.109′ E
COG 276T
SOG 5.5kt

As the sun went down the wind came up. Always the way! After trying three different sail plans we are now chugging along with full No 2 Genoa and 2 reefs in the main. Making between 6 and 7.5 knots depending on the gust. Going west instead of north-west, but that’s preferable to motoring. There’s so many fishing buoys etc. a fouled prop is inevitable when motoring in the dark.

Position 10° 31.588′ N 75° 22.314′ E
COG 262T
SOG 5.4kt

Stopped mid-ocean to go for a swim and underwater check. No wind/ glassed out so just stopped the motor. Put a rope out just in case but it just floated next to the boat. Hull is pretty clean except for about a 3 inch wide slime strip just on the water line. Nothing on prop or rudder. Water temperature 30 degrees and deep turquoise – was rather nice.

Position 10° 14.581′ N 75° 46.031′ E
COG 307T
SOG 5.4kt