Algiers/Tunisia

We have now passed the border between Algeria and Tunisia. Algeria has
been a long and tedious trip, tacking up and down, making way slowly
against the beasterly easterly. The wind is now taking a more south
easterly shade, coming through strong now and then. We are struggling a
bit to stick to the coast of Tunisia and make decent speed. Less than 30
miles north of us the wind is howling at 30 kts red,gusting up to 45
with a change of even reaching the 50's. There is a small island called
La Galite, about 20 miles from the coast of Tunisia. It is one of only
two islands off the African north coast, the other one being Isle de
Alboran on the border of Morocco and Algeria. As I am writing the small
island of La Galite is 5 miles to our port and the coast of Tunisia 15
miles to our starboard. This morning at sunrise the sky was deep red,
nearly angry, and the isobars on our weather charts are close together,
so time to take extra care. Last night I had to tack and had a negative
VMG to get close to land again and stay out of harms way. Demoralizing
....no. Reality, yes.

We are still hoping for a good turn of weather and run straight to
Greece, but it is more lookinb like me have to stop for an hour or two
in Sicily for some final provisions. Time only will tell. Greece is just
over 600 miles away, and when I say I miles I refer to nautical
miles. Lots of ships all the time, had to change course twice in the
early hours of the morning not to compromise our safety. The sooner you
change course, the less time there is for a collision.Our position at PM
01:00 UTC was 37*21'N/08*49'E. The sea is moderate, not to rough and not
to smooth. Our morale on the boat stays high, although it takes some
effort to stay positive all the time. But it is a great test of our
endurance, both physically and mentally. And all in all we are doing
just fine, what else can we do but to hang in till the end, which will
so much sweeter for the hardships we endured. Far from over though,
could be finished in five days or perhaps seven, or even nine, so we
take it as it comes.

Thanks for being with us in spirit and heart at times, we appreciate
your interest and support more than these little things called words can
ever hope to express. Take good care.

Paul