When planning our longer voyages, we tend to try and ensure that no-ones birthday will occur at sea. Why? Because the sea is an unruly mistress and seems to take unnecessary amounts of pleasure in disrupting occasions at exactly the most inopportune time. For example when serving food, or making drinks, one can almost be assured of an untimely roll and slide. So it is better to just not give her the chance to play her games. Unfortunately, for me, this time we had no choice, it was time to get to South Africa and we had to go… just have to chance this notoriously bad weather passage. I was less than enthused by the idea.

I woke this morning at 6:30am, a little confused. My shift started 30 mins ago… wonder why Hugh didn’t wake me up? He was contently sitting in the cockpit, drinking tea, chatting with Guy. The sun was high, not a cloud to be seen and Khulula was rolling in the most comfortable manner. Maybe he didn’t notice the time? Nope, on the stove were the beginnings of a yummy breakfast. Tea is made and Ryan is suddenly awake too despite only going to bed a couple hours ago.

Action stations! First a bottle of chilled champagne appears from nowhere (I should know I scour this boat frequently looking for stashed and forgotten goodies), mixed with orange juice and we have a fantastic sipping drink while breakfast of herbed potatoes, poached eggs, cheese, tomato, fresh bread and sautéed hot dogs is prepared ! A nice leisurely breakfast is followed by a couple gifts. WHAT? Gifts out here? Yes. A fantastic card from Mom and Pop Robertson and a couple CD’s from John Middleton (do a google search – excellent stuff). The boys however went out of their way and surprised me with a premium 18 year old bottle of Scotch. Nothing but the best! I have stashed it away till we get to Durban, where there are giant supplies of ice and numerous reasons to celebrate (My birthday, 10 000nm in one year, arrival in South Africa,…)

Our e-mail was filled with good wishes from family and friends, apparently some thought had gone into this day by Ryan and Hugh, because all these things don’t just happen. So what may have seemed like a mediocre way to celebrate my 27th year, turned into the most incredible way to celebrate. My only goals for today are to write in my diary, drink tea, relax and listen to good music. Bring on the next year of adventures, epic surf, and good times.

Thanks to Ryan, Hugh and Guy for stepping up to make this such an incredible day. Thanks to our mother ocean for sending sentries of dolphins and whales yesterday to start off the excitement.