06.02N/80.14E

Arrived at Galle at 1500 today.

The wind picked up yesterday evening, and we had a great sail in. At 2200 last night we first noticed the earthy woody fragrant smell of land, then picked up looms of lights, and followed the coast around.

Galle is a military harbour, and at irregular intervals at night (frequently) they drop sticks of gelignite into the water to deter Tamil frogmen who might be inclined to stick limpet mines on the naval boats. It gives us a heck of a shock each time! We were checked out by a naval boat before entering the harbour, and then visited by highly corrupt customs officials, who demanded their bribes before we could be cleared in.

But it's lovely to be here, and we look forward to looking round the Island.

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