Wednesday 7th January 2009
SAMWISE GANGEE
Yesterday evening we had lots of activity on the boat after a rather lethargic day probing along with gentle winds. We just about maintained an average speed of 5 knots with the spinnaker up; possibly the most tranquil sail we've ever had with flat seas and clear skies.
Anyway, I digress, Malcolm and I were having a cheeky gin and tonic in the cockpit philosophising about the wonders of life, whilst the others were having a snooze. Suddenly the tranquillity of the early evening was interrupted with the fishing reel spinning out furiously alerting us to the rather wonderful fact that we'd caught a fish. Everyone clambered on deck rushing around, grabbing gloves, life jackets, brandy, lines anything really (the half empty gin and tonics went unnoticed - phew!).
Can you imagine the disruption of activity as we reeled in this 30lb blue finned tuna - it took 3 of us? But amongst all this was young Sam - Samwise Gangee. Cool, calm, reliable Sam. When I'd just finished pouring brandy in to the fish's gills (I was horrified at my own willingness to kill) Sam looked up at me, huge fish in hand and said:
"Shall I cut it up in to steaks or fillets?"
He then proceeded to cut the fish up with the skill and ease of a well-practised fishmonger, whilst I scurried away to appease my conscience. We have enough tuna in the fridge for several meals. So Sam is now known as Samwise Gangee, Frodo Baggins's solid and reliable friend, in Lord of the Rings.
As night time closed in, the wind disappeared in to the dark shroud of the night sky and we ground to a wallowing halt. Sadly, the spinnaker came down and the engine was turned on with only the occasional intermittent attempt to sail as the wind picked up at various times over the course of the early hours of the morning. But by 08.00 the wind had dropped and so we are full steam ahead. What little wind there is, is from the northwest, which is where we are heading!! Those consistent trade winds are proving to be elusive aren't they?
It's now lunchtime and the wind has increased in strength but unfortunately is still coming from the northwest. So being able to sail but not in the direction we wish has involved us tacking towards our destination trying to establish the paying tack. We initially headed west but we are now heading north northwest (350 degrees) with the hope the wind will back and free us to come round to our heading to St Helena (306 degrees). You may ponder why we just didn't put the engine on and motor straight to St Helena - it would certainly be quicker. The wonderful truth is simple; we are loving this most tranquil of sails. I have never seen such flat seas in the middle of an ocean. There is always a swell of sorts but out here it is flat calm. The serenity is intoxicating.
We had fresh tuna steaks tonight, caramelised in soy sauce and honey and topped with sesame seeds, new potatoes roasted having been coated in lemon juice, oil and seasoned and a greek salad. Fresh fruit and ice-cream for dessert. Judith you would have been proud ;-).
Position @ 0700 UTC 27.28S 10.14E