Evening all...
Today the onboard Marine Meteorology and Navigation Department has been spending hours pouring over the daily weather forecast and 'GRIB' files that Boo downloads via our shortwave radio from her bearded, anoraked friends around the world (where does she make these contacts..?. Depending on the number of other users trying to do the same and the random radio interference it can be impossible to get through.. & even if successful can take 45 minutes to download files. It also sets off flashing lights and an audible alarm on the instrument panel up on deck, turns parts of the rigging into dangerous high voltage no-go zones, and makes the sort of noise that we all remember from the early dial up internet modems attached to our Commodore 64s... But it works!! Well, it does sometimes... in the early hours of the morning anyway.
Unfortunately this cutting edge technology suggests to our experts that we are heading straight for a lull in proceedings... v weak winds blowing in unfortunate directions... We expect to hit this area tomorrow (Thurs) and may well need to motor for a bit. Shame really, as we have been averaging a decent 160 + miles per day. Still, it may give us a chance to get the "Learn to Play Bridge" book off the shelf (we only have one pack of cards on board so card games on deck with 20 Knots of wind have not been encouraged yet..!)
I was told not to report on fishing today as it must seem like we have an obsession with the subject. However, to be honest, and to give our loyal readers a true reflection of the real issues affecting life onboard, I must report that moral has taken a wee knock over recent days due to the lack of fresh fish being landed. The news of a large white marlin being caught elsewhere in our fleet today did nothing to help this.. However, the Fishing Department have analysed the data and have now officially concluded that the reason for our lack of success is purely down to the success achieved to date in maintaining excellent boat speed; unfortunately it appears that this is simply too great for the specific species we are targeting (i.e the big, tasty, very slow varieties). Once we chanced upon this excuse/explanation, morale soared (coinciding neatly with midday happy hour) and the serious business of sunbathing commenced in earnest. The fact that we have now lost nearly all the lures from bites is an unfortunate fact that we still need to work into the theory. It will also be tested if and when the anticipated drop in wind speed occurs . Other excuses gladly accepted on a postcard... we may need them.
Well friends, family and lurkers, its time for me to join the Half Way celebrations... a little like the Queen's birthdays, there will be at least 2... one now, as decreed by Nick, and the other when we actually get there!!
Ian