I just got off the "phone" with Mike Maurice via SKYPE, the internet "phone service" Mike was in Zhuhai, China--with a microphone on his laptop computer connected to the internet via Wi Fi from Mandarin, the Diesel Duck 46+2. The time difference is either 10 hours or 14 hours, depending on which way you go. The fidelity was far better than a landline telephone or any satellite phone I have heard. They had tried playing some music--and it was very near broadcast quality. The boat is still being rigged. The sails are on, but some adaptors have to be worked on. The SSB antenna is up, but a stand off is being fabricated. The chart plotter, Weather Fax and Radar are in burn in phases. He is not able to get some weather models from US Navy--we think that they may be blocked?? They went to Hong Kong yesterday--and picked up part of the gear which was shiped over by air. They area also buying spare tools and other parts to fabricate with. The windup starter for the main engine is available and they will install it for testing. They have been able to do all FCC registration via internet, including the ships license and EPRIB. In installing an PC card with an RS 232 port, they found that the drivers were on a floppy disc--so that had to be compied onto a USB card at the office's computer, then onto a CD so it could be used on the laptop. There are always a number of obsticales in working in a foreign country, but Mike and the owner seem to be overcomming them well. Mike speaks well of the yard and the workers. Mike sends his best regards to all. It will be at least 3 days before they are able to leave Zhuhai. If you attempt to make contact, be sure and leave your computer with the SKYPE software on during the hours when they would be likely to be using it--probably most likely 7 to 9 in the morning or 6 to 9 in the evening--their time. (apparently the same as Hong Kong). Regards Bob Austin