Another hot and windless day, and I kept looking to the point on the horizon where land should be … my first atoll. And I still could not see any, even though an island usually becomes visible from a distance of 30 nautical miles [55 kilometres or 35 land miles]. But an atoll is so low that you won’t see it earlier than in a few miles range, the highest point usually is a palm tree! On my chart there is a wreck to the north marked, with an additional note that reads: “If you gonna run aground, there are worse places than this”. Well of course, you also can see it that way too, I said to Guppy, when something finally rose above the horizon. At top speed I climbed up the mast and indeed, I could see a low ring-shaped atoll on the horizon to starboard [right side of the boat]. For a short moment I was very happy, but at the same time I felt trapped between all those reefs… Well aware that dozens of yachts sink here every year, I will keep very good watch! After a big squall hit, which allowed me to catch some water again, I could not see the small island any longer.

Laura