Rainshowers followed our exit from Atetsu Bay and as we left the Amami Channel we had rainbows and then sunny skies for most of our 40 NM to Daikuma. Light winds helped push us along but we kept the engine going for all of the trip as we wanted to make water as well. A few showers were about causing occasional gusty conditions but otherwise a good day's sailing. On entering Daikuma harbour we headed for the wharf we had been told about to tie to but it proved too difficult with the wind blowing us off, the low tide making the wall too high and nothing much to tie to! We then had to circle about and change our mooring lines and fenders so we could come into wind to come alongside an alternate wharf which had rubber fenders and big bollards to tie to. Some heavy lines hanging into the water were stretched out and anchored further out creating a bit of a hazard for our deep keel but we had no problems and were soon tied up safely. Position : 28 deg. 24.181N, 129 deg. 31.172E.
Daikuma is a small town with most services and this morning we found the koyn randoree (coin laundry) and the supermarket. After some lunch we cycled the few kms across to Naze, the major centre on Amami Oshima to have a look around. Not a lot to see but we found a covered arcade to wander through before heading back to Daikuma and the boat. By this time the wind had picked up and Tweed was covered once more in dust and dirt from the wharf! How we miss hanging at anchor in secluded bays! Tomorrow we will sail 50 NM to Mae Gomori harbour on Takara Shima - shima or jima means island.
