Noon Position: 35 14.1 S 137 43.5
Course: SSW Speed 4 knots
Wind: SE F3
Weather: mostly sunny, mild
Sea: slight  Swell: SW 0.5 m
Day's Run: 18 nm

Despite a rather unsettled night on the mooring due to periods of wind against tide, I awoke at 0630 feeling quite refreshed. Over breakfast I reviewed the forecast and decided it was too nice a day to spend in harbour, and I was also concerned that if we did not make tracks for KI today we would likely be stuck in Edithburgh until the weekend. Nnot that I have anything against Edithburgh, it is quite a nice place, but, in general, I would rather be sailing. So, at 0740, I hoisted the main, slipped the mooring and as Sylph's head paid off to port, I set the jib and we were away, heading NE, close hauled on the starboard tack.

In contemplating the day's plan, I noticed that Brindabella was at anchor a few miles away behind the lee of Troubridge Island. I decided that it would be fun to sail past and say hello if they had not gotten under way by the time we got there. We had to tack up the narrow channel that lies between the Troubridge shoals, keeping a close eye on the depth sounder as we did so. At 0955 we sailed under Brindabella's stern where Johnny was preparing a barbecue breakfast for their passengers. I shouted out good morning to Johnny and Brigid and their passengers as we passed. Waves and greetings were exchanged, then I tacked to pass clear down their port side, bidding them farewell. As my friend and well known sailing author Annie Hill would say, it was one of those serendipitous moments of shared good will among fellow sailors.

Having paid our respects to the Brindabella, we continued through the channel which narrowed even further as we approached its southern entrance, requiring some very short tacks to avoid the shoals. We cleared the shallows and passed over Marion Reef, dodging a runabout fishing at anchor as we did so, then, once clear of the reef, I was able to relax and set course for Kangaroo Island.

The wind has faded a little bit since clearing the shoals, so once again I have made use of the new outer fore stay and have set the ancient genoa and furled the jib. Thus far my new hybrid Solent rig appears to be working well. With this new set up it is now relatively easy to roll up the jib and hoist the genoa, rather than having to remove the jib from the roller furler's foil and hoisting the genoa in its place, not to mention the reverse process when changing back again. I am sure Sylph is sailing a good knot faster in these light airs with the genoa set despite its age, as opposed to the smaller, heavier jib.

Our destination for the day is Emu Bay which with luck we will arrive by 1900 this evening. Meanwhile Oli has once more sought solace under the counterpane indicating very clearly with a stern look that he should not be disturbed until the ship's motion, gentle as it is, has entirely ceased.

All is well.