Saturday 6th December 2014
This morning brought fresh and consistent force 4 winds
from the south east. As a consequence we are screaming along (8-9 knots), on a
two (white) sail reach. After yesterday’s high drama it’s nice to settle back
into a rhythm. Although we lived
aboard the yacht for a week before we set off, it has taken a further week at
sea to feel properly at ease and settle into our various routines. For the first
time since we set off I feel as though we could just ‘carry on sailing’ (oooh
matron!) so long as we don’t run out of beer of wine. Alastair says to mention
more dolphins!
This morning like many others revealed bits of flying
fish on the deck, but in addition, we found a whole one which we’ve photographed
to show you just how odd they are. They have huge eyes and specially adapted
lateral fins which really do look like wings. The other clever trick they look
as though they’ve adapted is their tail fin; the lower half is longer than the
upper half as though they can use it as a rudder to steer. The one in the photo
is approximately 30cm long.
So far as the fishing goes, it has been abysmal. I’ve
blamed it on going too fast and going too slow, but I’m fast running out of
excuses! We’re using a simple trolling rig (30lb) with various squid lures on
the surface. Admittedly we’ve been smashed up twice, but that doesn’t explain
why we’re not catching the smaller ones? Answers on a postcard to
.....