Hydrocarbon - Days 1 - 5

What a great start!  We believe we were one of the first across the starting line on Sunday and even though there’s a very long way to go it still felt good to be at the front of the fleet and to be underway after so much preparation..  Looking back at the main start 20 minutes later was a real spectacle and created such a wonderful feeling to be taking part in this fantastic experience. We soon settled down with a good breeze and boat speed and thoughts turned to those we’d left at home, again a new experience to be away from our friends and family for at least two weeks but perhaps longer depending on wind conditions.  Thanks to those who came to see us off, it was much appreciated. After the first 24 hours we’d covered 200 miles, if it could. read more...

Hydrocarbon - Days 12-18

We had lost all our lures but one so gave fishing another try and hooked a fish.  The boat couldn’t be slowed down quick enough so we lost the fish and recovered only a mangled lure and wire trace.  All that remained was the head and the wire through to the hook. In an effort to carry on fishing an improvised lure was created from cable ties and whipping cord.  An hour later another Dorado was brought on deck and after another hour it was on the plate.  Fishing will become continually more difficult if the trade winds kick in as predicted but given the choice we’ll take the wind and waves because after such slow progress we’re all keen to get to Rodney Bay asap. With the improved winds came the opportunity to fly a spinnaker, great fun and. read more...