During the early morning hours, Gratis was hit by ‘bombs’  as waves from the south connected in just the right position against the hull.

It was with helplessness and immense frustration that I found myself unable to rectify the issue. The wind direction being what it was, no room remained for bearing off further as this would have meant backing the sail, which in turn would have halted Gratis in her tracks.

All one could do was sit there, grin and bear it whilst holding on tight!

Mid – morning, winds at long last light – how rapidly do conditions change – it was possible to enjoy the sail. This was what sailing was all about. By experiencing the worst, one appreciated the sublime with greater appreciation.

17:07, 375.1nm remained. The miles to Rodrigues were rapidly decreasing.