Bolero - ARC + Day 4

Day 4

We have landed our first fish, not with a rod and line, but a flying fish that landed on deck! We are not sure when it landed on the sail bag, but it was pretty dry when it was returned to the sea.

North Star continues to lead us on our way south.

The generator was switched on so we could fill the tanks and have hot water for a very welcome shower…. Goodness me we all felt rejuvenated after that!

Fulmars and shearwaters have continued to soar around the boat. The flying fish are still propelling themselves through the air, some flying straight and others flying in an arc.

Paprika chicken and rice for dinner was enjoyed by us all. The sun is setting very quickly now, and it becomes dark in about 10 minutes. The moon rose about 30 minutes later than yesterday at 19:46. We started our watch system at 19:50. The tri light is again waxing and waining so it was switched off and the bow and stern lights were deployed. A trip up the mast is on the agenda when we arrive in Mindelo.

The flying fish gave a tremendous display in the night as they flew from the port bow to starboard in the beam from the bow lights. Four had landed on the deck by 23:00 hrs. They are very difficult to catch as they flap around….. We certainly need to man up if we are going to make use of the skipper’s fishing rod and deal with what ever we catch.

We all found our first night watch a long one, the second seemed to go much quicker, we are not sure why.

North Star is still leading the way, though the distance between us has reduced. Bolero relished the wind and sea conditions this morning and romped along under her goose winged main and poled out Genoa. We moved east of North Star so we could pass to leeward of her.

The positions of the boats in the fleet was downloaded and studied revelling fewer boats closer to the finish than yesterday, very pleasing.

The drum roll 13:00 distance to the finish shows that we have 205 miles to go, 170 miles sailed in 24 hours. The pressure is now on to reach Mindelo in daylight on Friday with lighter winds forecast.

Fair winds
Nick, Maz, Ian and Gwyn