The Gulf of Mannar - across to India

We finally made it but it was a long night the other night. We crossed the ‘Gulf of Mannar’ which is the body of water between Sri Lanka and southern India. We had strong winds for good sailing but it was what they call “square seas”, so we were taking water over the side quite regularly, big slaps on the side of the boat and deluges coming aboard at times. So, it was a long night, and thankfully only one night but enough to become salty ole dogs for sure. But EQ was a trooper, she just kept on going, rail in the water and a bone in her teeth. All we had to do is strap in and hold on (we do worship our autopilot!). However, having a cold just before leaving didn’t help, so not our best passage for sure.

But we are here, safe and sound, though a bit salty around the edges, inside and out. We had to heave-too (back-wind the sails to stop the boat) a couple of times so Roger could dive on the prop as it picked up fishing nets and lines. There is heaps of junk in the water around here. Coming up the west coast of India there was also tons of fishing boats everywhere, more than we’ve ever seen. So we spent the second night dodging fishing boats, many with no lights until you were just upon them, they’d shine strong lights in your eyes and blind you... big surprise. 

But we got here just before dark on Thursday and then spent all day on Friday checking into India and Kochi port, more paper work than you can believe, all with carbon copies in triplicate, the old way. They say, and justifiably so, that the process serves the paperwork rather than the paperwork serving the process. It was like stepping back in time to the 1800's when the British ruled India in old colonial buildings and piles of paperwork everywhere. We’ll take some pictures when we check out, it’s too funny!

With Equanimity and Joy
(and a washed and clean boat, showered and rested)