Twenty-four hours after starting and we are all well and settled into the big upwind leg that lies ahead.  The first day has been very pleasant sailing, upwind or just slightly fast in nice breeze and sunshine.  Even the sea is pretty flat, making it nicer still. 

I think to be honest everyone is enjoying it while it lasts as we know there will be harder (and colder) times to come.  However, so far so good. 

After what could only be described as a pretty marginal start, we managed to recover quickly and found our legs and, with a little bit of wriggling through the fleet as we left the Singapore Straits, we had managed to get ourselves back to third.  Overnight, despite getting a little tangled in a plastic bag, we have managed to consolidate our position further as the fleet has strung itself in a long line.  Hopefully, before too long, we can be nipping on the heels of the guys in front...

This morning brought with it a little bit of island dodging, something that will no doubt become a common occurrence as we head north towards the Philippines, as many reefs and small Islands lie ahead; Murphy's law always dictates that you end up pointing straight at them despite you best efforts to stay clear!  That said, it looks like the next 100 miles or so is in clear water, so for now I am going to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Cheers, for now,

Simon Fisher - navigator