Daybreak, no sign of the tempest waning, our position below Madagascar where the South Equatorial Current ran with speeds of one to three knots and a series of underwater mountain ridges rose, meant running with the storm was not an option as the SW would blow us directly toward that shallower tract of water: not […]

Morning broke, squalls at last behind us, the sea had reverted to that of tranquility and no wind: Big Bertha to the rescue once more… Aware that winds containing an increased wind strength of twenty plus knots was heading our way, the sails were once more reefed. An ‘on the nose’ SW blew in with […]

What a night, as squall upon squall swept over us from the north east. Winds blowing at thirty plus knots, saw us heading out more than once to further reef the Gennie and make adjustments to the sheets. We were the fortunate ones last night, for upon the distant horizon we were spectators to a […]

Early evening, radio contact was made with Kind of Blue, Sula, Three Ships, Kite and a few others ahead of us. Modern technology is a god send, as one could discuss position and weather/sea conditions ahead. All was looking good. (As Bob says… “What can possibly go wrong?”)

The excitement for the day occurred at the setting of the sun as the Hesperides drifted westward across the sky, leaving in their wake the black of night. A tower of cumulus that had been building over Reunion all day made the decision to head our way. In conjunction with this, a gargantuan red blob […]

Hours prior to our departure, we were entertained by a sizeable fish acquiring his underwater breakfast. The unsuspecting morsel sighted, he stealthily stalked his prize through the murky waters. Without warning, the hunter burst forth in a flash of speed, in a blur of motion capturing its prey between razor sharp teeth. With jaws creating […]

A busy day as preparations for departure commenced. Boat washed inside and out, bread cooked, Rum Slice made, washing completed, Gratis packed. The replacement parts for the Gennie should have arrived. Bob up top impatiently awaiting, as everyone stops work at 4pm here – only 10 minutes to go. Adendum to that: they are arriving […]

It looks like we may possibly be departing Tuesday.

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So much to see, so much to do, so little time……… Yesterday we completed following the N2 and N1 highway routes. Words can’t describe some of the sights we have seen: tropical rain forest, old lava flows upon which new life already flows, highlands reminding one of the European alps, rugged mountain tops and dry arid land […]

Our first day of true exploration. Keeping to the coast road we discovered what a stunning island this is! The rainy season still to announce its arrival, the rugged dry brown slopes of the north reminded us so much of our homeland. Ravines, deep gaping channels created from years of volcanic reaction and weathering of […]

In search of an Orange (Telstra equivalent) Bob and I carried out a short exploration of the region closest to us. Densely built up, the buildings are well cared for, such a difference to Rodrigues and Mauritius. Reminders of the country’s early years are evident, as large remnants of walls and structures utilised within the […]

Yes, we have arrived safely in Reunion. Unfortunately, the availability of internet is not so easy to find. Today saw us carrying out quite a search before we discovered the cheapest and easiest way of accessing it from the boat. Free wi – fi is available in some areas, but time consuming in travelling and utilising the facility. […]

As with our previous sojourns, whilst on the final approach, overnight the winds died and ranged between 6 – 8 knots whilst Gratis’ speed died from sixes through to eights down to a measly three and four. At this snail paced speed, it would be 20:00 before arrival and a closed port would mean a […]

  Light winds, sunny skies, fair weather predicted for the sail, after an enjoyable three weeks of exploration we departed Mauritius for Reunion. A typical shuffle of the Sri Lankan fishing fleet was occurring as we motored over to Customs. It was like watching a water ballet. Paperwork signed – thankfully not the rigmarole encountered […]

Depart tomorrow. Will be back online once we arrive in Reunion.

After a beautiful couple of hours sailing, are once again moored in Port Louis.

How time flies when one is having fun! Explored in Little G2 yesterday, two evenings of BBQ upon the beach with our friend from Taurus, Thor, Orion, Island Home (Aussie heading home), and the Israelis. Departing for Port Louis where we will clear with customs sometime in the next day or so. Reunion, here we […]

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