Day 12
Another 24 hours gone and it looks as if we are in the trade winds now. We've been on starboard tack and on a broad reach all day, with genoa poled out to port to give it some stability and a partially reefed mizzen for balance. Beautiful trade wind conditions with warm sunshine almost all day. Highlight was Andy catching his match, the first tuna during our voyage. It certainly gave a good fight, but was eventually hauled in and despatched by our now highly experienced pescadorean gladiator team. We toasted it with a ration of whisky specifically reserved for such funereal occasions, thanked it for providing us with sustenance, and wished its spirit well on its eternal journey in the pelagic skies of the hereafter. What a lovely animal. Of course it took revenge on us soon after by pelting us with heavy rain from above for the rest of the evening and most of the night
Roger
Andy's view from the hue
After yesterday's highs and lows, not in the weather sense, today commenced a tad more optimistically with regard to the wind. Thankfully the courgettes are now finished so we should be over it soon. A visit to the fwd heads has been an almost pleasant experience over the last couple of days without the sudden unexpected bidet or risk of 'getting your own back'. Highlight of the day was the reel a screaming and grabbing hold of the rod to find some mega beast had taken the Ann Summers special (other lures are available from all good purveyors of erotic fishing tackle and lingerie). A bit of a battle ensued over at least half an hour and eventually timmy the tuna was hoisted on deck in all his 8 to 9 kg of fishy finery. What a fantastic fish. Filletted out like a small lamb he has joined the wahoo steaks for a 'duo of fish supper' with stacks left for tomorrow.
Axel had 'German half hour' on the ssb radio this afternoon. Naturally he spoke in his native language which seemed pretty alien given the fact that our very European crew all speak excellent English for the benefit of the two Englanders. I'm suspicious and suspect he may have been arranging his towel to be placed on the sunloungers in Rodney Bay, St Lucia even though we wont be there for 5-6 days.
Looking fwd to the middle watch tonight
Andy
out
The day after the whales, well what a day, still much discussion over which brand they may have been but opinion is divided between Fin or Northern Minkys. \we have a book on whales onboard
. Did you know how many brands there are
blimey!...And not just brands of whales, what about the brands of fish.There are your Tuna, wahoo etc, proper fish. Then there are your whales and Dolphins
not even fish at all, mammals
. Like bears. Or there's your Flying fish, who knows what family of critter that is
but we think Lemmings (see previous log)
So, yes, Andy's was bigger than mine, I thought I'd tell you first cos if I don't he'll be on tomorrow comparing. It was, truth be told a fine specimen and as Tuna go a fine looking beast
. And tasty. Still, enough of us boy's comparing
. Too much time on our hands.
Now
. A major development, ney problem has arisen
.. we have run out of olive oil. So could you all please circulate this distress, we are willing to barter, we have excess white wine , could freeze you some fish, make you a few loaves (brown or white )
.Anyway if you can help we can be found heading 278 deg Speed 7.5 knots
Time 0015 ut, 17 14 53n 43 48 28w
Thanking you in advance
Fish for supper
Pigs leg still under dinghy
Mike
. over