John Braithwaite describes life on board

Although currently in 9th place, crew member John Braithwaite describes good spirits on board :

We've had an awesome day. We passed through the first gate at the entrance to the Sundra Straight and saw land for the 1st time since Oz.

Java to starboard and Sumatra to port and Krakatoa ahead in the middle of the straight.

The wind moved forward so we were able to pick up speed which cooled the temperature down - such a relief.

As we passed Krakatoa and were working out where the old volcano was, Son of Krakatoa, the new volcano, erupted, and let out a tower of smoke into the sky. An amazing sight.

Claire and Mick served up a delicious lunch which we all enjoyed on deck as we continued past the volcano.

We're now nearing the end of the straight and are ready to pass through the next gate. We haven't had a schedule as Joff and Lizzy are in transit so fingers crossed Qingdao haven't made any ground.

One love,

John