Cleone - Leg 24 Day 5 - Proper Sailing

Powered up at last.

 

We had been sailing all night, five knots or so on the clock, but not at hull-speed.  But just before waking the Skipper for the eight o'clock watch, it was windy enough for Paul to have to put in a reef.  At long last the wind had filled in solidly, and Cleone was sailing with a purpose.  As the Skipper emerged sleepily, a bright rainbow sprang from the sea, seemingly not far in front of us - a good sign, maybe, but also an indication that the rain squalls were still around us.  And so it proved.  Shortly after breakfast (tea, yoghurt, muesli (supposedly, but with added polystyrene balls), a banana and yet more tea), having fallen asleep over his (actually the skipper's) book, Paul retired to his bunk.  He awoke, refreshed, to see the skipper standing behind the wheel in the cockpit with his oilskins on, dripping wet.  The skipper looked surprisingly cheerful, and the reason was soon apparent.  By now there was also a reef in the mizzen, and it was clear that Cleone was revelling in these conditions.  So much so, that during the Skipper's three-hour watch, Cleone covered a very satisfying 21 miles.

 

Besides some great sailing, we had success at last with the fishing.  Just in time for supper, Volker landed a fine Albacore, weighing about four or five kilos (ten pounds or so).  Volker filleted it.  The skipper, duty cook, prepared some fine herbs and chopped vegetables.  Paul salivated.  But then a chord struck, and we remembered La Boheme's warning in the Pacific.  Close inspection revealed little white parasites embedded in the flesh, particularly around the stomach.  We cut them out, but on advice finally discarded the whole fish rather than take the risk of eating infected flesh.  In ignorance, we played safe rather than sorry, but we would appreciate some informed advice - eg from a microbiologist (Are you there, AWA?) or a food specialist.

 

And it looks as if we just won't make it before the noon deadline, but we are about to recross the equator.  We'll feel the bump, you will probably feel the earth lurch slightly as we do so.  Just bear in mind that it is over a year since we left the Northern Hemisphere, and if we look and act a bit awkwardly, be kind to us, you will know the reason why.

 

Meanwhile, all is well with us, and very best wishes to you all.

 

STOP PRESS: CLEONE CROSSED EQUATOR AT 1505 GMT.  SLIGHT BUMP FELT, CREW EXPERIENCE LIGHT-HEADEDNESS AND NAUSEA.  NO DAMAGE NO CASUALTIES.

 

James, Paul and Volker