The sea is virtually flat, the sun blazing, and Spirit of Cardiff is well into making up time lost at the beginning of the voyage. Having told our hosts in Salalah in Oman that we'll be arriving in time for lunch on Monday, we actually arrive well before breakfast time.
But because we know this particular stop has been arranged with military precision, complete with welcoming party and buffet meal, we split the difference and come in mid-morning, after doing some essential maintenance on the boat.
Once inside the harbour, two tug boats with water cannons jet huge sprays on either side to form the most impressive welcome yet. Waiting to greet us on the quayside are our hosts from Salalah Port Services and BP, co-ordinated by Dick Simmons of NRG (introduced to us by Mike Garside) along with local press and TV.
Tables with parasols, cool drinks and a choice of hot or cold meals. It certainly makes a difference to what we've been eating for the past few days.
Across the harbour is the Sultan of Oman's Royal Yacht, and along the quayside from us, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Austin, whose crew kindly donated a huge pile of 24 hour military ration packs to augment the generous amount of provisions supplied by our hosts. "I don't think we'll need any more food till San Diego," quips Alan Priddy.
When we tell our hosts that each crew member has been suffering from upset tummies and salt sores, they promptly send for the port doctor, who supplies us with a variety of tablets, creams, and rehydrating fluids. Fortunately the assembled guests aren't treated to the sight of any of us having the sore bits inspected. We're not a pretty sight!
Sadly all too soon comes the time to leave, after less than two hours. As we set out across the harbour, the tugboats once again blast out their watery salute, while the Royal Yacht sounds its horn.
Now, with the boat fully laden with fuel and provisions, we're heading straight across the Indian Ocean to Mangalore in India. It's the longest leg of the entire circumnavigation - 1250 miles - and we reckon that with the good weather forecast we've had, we should do it in three days.
Clive Tully
FACTBOX
Aden - Salalah
Time of leg: 1 day 7 hours 23 minutes
Distance covered: 618.2 nautical miles
Average speed: 19.6 knots
Fuel consumed: 1,208.9 litres
Average fuel consumption: 1.95 litres / nautical mile
Next stop: Mangalore, India
ETA: Thursday lunchtime
Copyright Clive Tully ©2002
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