The 15 yachts which made it to Cochin (or Kochi) are having some fun and R&R amongst the busy city and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Sheila celebrated her 21st birthday, again. The local boatman invited many crews on the rally to lunch at his home. Six of his family live in 3 rooms, with the bare minimum of furniture and a TV set, but they are very happy and fed us with a lovely rice-curry lunch. They may be poor but they are so friendly and generous.

The French contingent took a day out on a houseboat on the Keral lakes. These are so extensive one can travel on fresh water from the northern top to the southern end of this beautiful region of India. A very relaxing day was punctuated by village walks and a very tasty vegetarian curry lunch.

The times ahead are taxing the brains of each skipper as he plans his way ahead in coordination with the rest of the rally. There may not be many positions reported for a few weeks on this site, but we will keep you informed that all is well.