A quiet and rather restful day. It was very hazy so not a particularly brilliant day for sunbathing although plenty of people did. The sea was pretty flat calm in terms of wind although there was a slight swell. Lots of new faces aboard and many people wandering around looking lost and baffled as they tried to find their way. We plonked down in the Crows Nest lounge this morning and Bob read while I painted a picture that we had missed while we were in New Ze...

Another totally brilliant day in Sydney. Really enjoyed our time here and could easily stay much longer. Another place I could imagine living in very happily. Lucy would love it here. It embodies all the wonderful things about London ie theatre, arts, nightlife, amazing shopping, even more amazing food but in a more manageable size plus with the considerable assets of fantastic weather and beaches on hand. Some parts are like a sort of Clapham with Sunshine ...

Woke up early for our sail in. We were on deck for 0630 just as we were approaching the cliffs that mark the outer edge of huge Sydney Harbour. It was still quite dark and there was a huge full moon, quite misty in the sky. The lighthouse marking the entrance was clearly visible flashing away. Even as we approached the light was coming up and the moon started to fade and fall to the horizon. By the time we actually passed into the harbour the sun was ful...

Had a peaceful night's sleep but woke up to the wind howling over the decks and a massive sea. Force 11 winds apparently and judging by the white water and blowing foam and spray off the waves, it certainly was. Luckily the wind was from directly behind us and so we had a following sea and Aurora really rides it well. There was no corkscrewing like we had in Biscay so other than the odd pitch, we barely noticed it. After breakfast we pegged out around one...