We switched anchorages today – we went around to the other side of Bagaman Island between it and Bobo Eina island, a distance of about 1.7 miles. It took about 20 minutes and another 10 minutes to anchor. The weather is overcast with about 75% cloud cover. Wind is 12-17k from the SE.

We busted the chain pipe on the anchor windlass (winch) the other day and we now have to use a plastic brush wedged in between the chain gypsy (wildcat) to strip the chain from the gypsy as it comes up, otherwise the chain over wraps on itself causing a huge mess and forcing the wincher to stop and reverse to free the tangle. Lowering the chain is similarly tricky now and also requires the winch operator to wedge a plastic brush under the chain as it comes out of the locker so it rides up onto the gypsy otherwise it free-wheels (i.e. releases at incredible speed without control, which is bad, and results in ALL of the chain being lowered to the sea floor).

We’re not sure how long we will remain here. It depends somewhat on how comfortable the anchorage is. Right now there is a slight swell coming in and it is not too bad, but if it gets worse we will likely leave tomorrow.