We've had a wonderful days sailing - 15/20 knots dead run with a flattish sea, and we've been gobbling up the miles towards Massawa in Eritrea.

What a difference 24 hrs makes. Our friends in Flash (part of our convoy to Djibouti) left a day before us and had a dreadful time. The wind got up to 25 knots in the straits, and then rapidly increased to 40 and then 50 knots as it funnelled through the gap. Then their headsail swivel broke, and they lost their jib. They were really being battered, and tried to get shelter in a Yemeni port, only to be told, "push off Americans, we don't want you." They ran off downwind under bare poles and took a lot of punishment. I spoke to them on iridium today (they don't have SSB) when they were obviously in a state of shock, and said the boat was in an absolute shambles.

We also met an American couple in Djibouti, who were dismasted after going through the staits, and had to abandon their boat and be airlifted off by the US Navy. They were wandering around and wondering about their boat. Yet only a day later and we have had an idyllic trip. We have a lot to be grateful for.

Poor Sue has been a bit under the weather with a gut bug, but is now improving. Richard managed to hook a beautiful Mahi-mahi, but while he was hauling it in, a shark snapped off the distal 2/3: there was still enough left for a delicious lunch.

Weather willing we will reach Massawa or thereabouts tomorrow evening, and we plan to spend a few days there, visiting Asmara. So all well on board.

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