It all happened after I’d finished the blog for Saturday. We were strolling along with a 15 knot breeze over the starboard quarter. Averaging around 7 knots with the main out to port and the genoa poled out to starboard. Classic goose wing configuration. It was a bit rolly, enough to make kitchen work uncomfortable.
Then around 17.00 we had a strike and a big one. It took Capt Jon about 30 minutes to reel it in. Turned out to be a 1.2 m long 5kg Mahi Mahi. Enough for 4 meals for our crew of 5. After filleting the fish, see photo of Jon, Alistair and Dugald, we returned the carcass to the sea. Nearly immediately and I’m sure coincidentally we were greeted by a large pod of exuberant dolphins. Maybe 30 in total they swept passed us chasing a school of flying fish, accompanied by numerous seabirds. They had time to play in our bow wake before heading off. Fresh fried fish in garlic and butter for tea.
We decided to put two reefs in the main and full genoa before dark, as 22 knots and gusts were expected overnight. Still doing 6-8 knots though.
My watch was 04-06 this Sunday morning. Difficult sleeping as the boat was rolling and pitching a lot. Wind was gusting 25 knots and it had built up a considerable sea. The wind moved further east and as our autohlem was set to the wind direction, it followed. So we were heading too far north again but waited until day light before gybing.
We also picked up a couple of flying fish who had inadvertently landed on our decks.
We are making good progress now and are all well fed. Pity there wasn’t a cheeky Sauvignon blanc to wash the dinner down.
Alan
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