Sorry for the lack of a blog for so long. I was never quite sure what was happening, the story changed so often. It was never plain sailing.
Having been picked up by the support boat, Simon began to realise the effect the row had had on him. Infected sores, the loss of two stones in weight and a loss of muscle strength and balance. It was more than a week before he could move around the support boat. The crew even had to prepare his (dehydrated) food for him. .
Much improved now, he is still very much looking forward to being back on dry land and eating proper food again.
The weather has continued to be stormy and surprisingly cold and the boat was nearly lost a few days ago. It is being towed a fair distance behind the yacht to minimise the possibility of a collision in bad weather. One of the crew noticed that she seemed to be listing so he and Simon swam back to it. They found the sleeping cabin three quarters full of water and spent some time baling it out. The reason for the flooding is not clear. It may have been a leaking hatch or a leaking watermaker inlet. It seems to be OK now anyway. Simon did not enjoy the swim back to the boat. Knowing that there was 3 miles of water beneath him, containing god knows what, coupled with still fatigued muscles was not a good combination.
The support boat went in search of the Kiwi boat that had a non functioning satellite tracker and a dead satellite phone charger. They had not been heard of for about a week. Fortunately a plane on a routine flight from Mauritius spotted them not too far from Mauritius and they should arive in the next two weeks. I believe that they have managed one short telephone message to say that they are OK, since.
The support boat is now heading for Mauritius at full speed for fuel and repairs (for both the boat and crew). They expect to be in Port Louis by Wednesday afternoon. I will confirm this when it happens.
I know Simon is really looking forward to being back on terra firma and eating real food (or as near as a vegetarian can get to real food)
Rosemary, Sam and I are heading out there on Saturday to see him. He and Sam will return the following weekend.
Apart from confirmation of landing, this is likely to be my last blog though I expect Simon will wrap it up when he regains internet access and gets his thoughts together (that could take years !).
Finally, enormous congratulations to the girls of Pura Vida who had 8 miles to go at 5pm. They should have finished by now... mind you, they have still got to park the boat !! An enormous achievement girls. Very well done. If you are still in Grande Baie when we arrive I will buy you all a drink.
Over and nearly out.
