It was another very dark night, although the waxing gibbous shone for Roy’s first watch before setting and daybreak arrived a little earlier than yesterday during Elaine’s second watch, albeit by a few minutes.

We also spent most of the night in our own company and expect to do so for the remainder of this delivery passage to Europe, given that we haven’t seen Golden Spirit since they pressed on at speed soon after we all departed Suakin, Sudan, on Saturday and we may have seen the last of Talulah Ruby III too as they disappeared over the horizon to our starboard side last night, given that both yachts are now attempting to make Port Suez directly. As for us, we are still hoping to skip Port Ghalib and make it to Soma Bay as planned and, although our SOG (Speed Over Ground) had dropped significantly this morning to around 5.2 to 5.5 Kts, due to a counter current and winds on the nose, we were still on track to meet our objective.

That was until lunchtime, when, out of the blue, the wind speed increased to 20-25 Kts, churning up the sea and creating short, steep waves, leaving us to crawl along at 3.4 to 3.8 Kts. Unfortunately we were also transiting an area known as Foul Bay and, although Port Berenice and Ras Banas would be safe havens, yachts are not permitted to stop in either of these anchorages due to an Egyptian military presence. That meant soldiering on whether we liked it or not.

Of course, none of this was in any of the forecasts, so we have no idea how long it will last. Fortunately, by late evening the winds had started to subside, the current had become more advantageous and our SOG had increased to 5.4 Kts putting us back on track for our arrival in Soma Bay as planned, although the waves still made for a very uncomfortable night.

Regardless, we would like to wish our son, Keenan, and friends Justine and Perii a very Happy Birthday. Also to Paul, having forgot to mention his birthday a few days ago. We hope you all had a fabulous day.