Yet another day with zero wind although we are now getting swell from the south. It's quite large but very spread out so we cruise along rising and falling with the big lumps that come through. All very comfortable.

Today's excitement came early - we swapped engines! We reckon we can afford the fuel to motor another 19hours from here and then we will be trying to sail on the wind that we have. That leaves us with plenty of fuel on hand in case we need some later. We should be able to replenish in the Gambier islands from either a supply ship or a local who is known to sell diesel to visiting yachts.

There are lots of boats suffering with the huge area of zero wind around Panama this year. It's not unusual to have light winds around the equator but for the area to stretch from the Galapagos to Panama is very strange. Some boats have gone so far as to get quotes from agents at Galapagos - a 24hr fuel stop will cost US$480 plus fuel at tourist prices (US$3.50/gallon locals pay half that).