66 "Yacht "France" Dec 25 Christmas Day. Calm and light variable airs in afternoon. In work this day. The Port Doctor visited the ship in afternoon, inspected the crew and granted health bill also brought the sailing permit which he alloted to crew, 3 white, which include myself. A fine night. Dec 26 Get ready for departure at daylight. Mr. Eason, a planter from Orova came on board and we leave up at 9/25 AM and proceeded out under engine power and at 11/25 AM anchored in Orova Bay in 14 fms. Dr. Moore, Hamlin & Richards then landed with all their stores and also Mr Eason, they are going camping and collecting in the mountains. 2/30 PM Leave up anchor and proceeded through the reefs under engine and sail power. Very heavy rain at times and visibility poor. At 7.45 P.M. we were off Cape St George, distant about 3 miles, the engine was stuffed and, with light breeze, we steered along the coast to the N.W. Breeze fell away at times and vessel not steering. Dec 27 Breeze picked up after mid-night and some heavy showers. At 5 AM. The "Marwana" passed to port, bound SE; we signalled our name. Wind fell light at 9 AM. and so started the engine at 9/35 and steer for the north end of Bougainville. Wind came away from NW and freshened up, stuffed engine at 11/6 PM. Beating to windward to best advantage. In outer jib reefed mainsail at 5 P.M. (continued) vessel pumped out when required 67 "Yacht "France" Dec 27 (continued) A sharp squall at 10 P.M. carried away the inner jib, the fore sail was also split while trying to reef it. Rushed her along under mainsail & head sails Dec 28 till daylight, we bent the best fore sail and set it, also the mainsail (full). Beating to best advantage towards the north end of Buka. A rough sea, making vessel roll & pitch. Making a lot of water and pump kept going almost all the time. The north end of Buka was abeam at 4 P.M. Wind NW fresh and dry squalls. In outer jib and reefed fore sail and mainsail at midnight. Dec 29 Wind and sea remain as last night. Beating to windward in a rough and humpy sea. Starboard fore topsail basketoy carried away in a squall. Repaired as best we could. Wind continued strong all night. Dec 30 Dull, overcast and equally. Beating to windward against a rough sea and fresh NW wind. The S.S. "Marwana" passed at noon, while we were off the north coast of Buka. Wind falling light in afternoon, so shook out reefs and continued lock lock. Dec 31 Calm and variable light airs all morning. Vessel not steering. Noon Position by observation Lat 3°58'S / 154°46'E We found that a strong current had been setting us to the N.E. Light breeze started at noon, steering to north. Vessel pumped out as required, she is making a lot of water.