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Skyelark of London - 14/03



We continue to whosh our way across the ocean, with only a few minor sail
adjustments needed. Today has witnesses 2 more celebrations - we now have
less than 1000 miles to go to Hiva Oa, and we are also over 2/3 rds of the
way there. Definitely a day for scones and jam with afternoon tea.

The other evening there was great excitement on board as just as dinner had
arrived on deck, the fishing reel started spinning manically. Particularly
bad timing as the crew tried to furl away the headsail and release the main
to slow down, whilst at the same time trying not to lose their dinner. Dan
and Richard manfully stepped up for the biggest fishing challenge yet. Dan
on the rod managed to reel in a huge fish and there was a lot of debate as
to what it was - it certainly wasn't the standard tuna or dorado. They
decided it was a big beautiful Sail fish, which I for one had never seen,
but the rumours are that it's very impressive if you catch one and really
tasty to eat.

As I tried to steer upwind a little to slow Skyelark down (I have to say
being on the wheel during a fish catching episode is never my favourite
place to be) there was a definite shuffling of crew members towards me at
the back of the boat, as the shear size and power of this fish became
apparent. Also it seemed fairly unhappy that Richard and Dan were trying to
wrestle it on board. It was a great fight and very sadly the fish won - the
hook dislodged itself and although Richard wrestled it gallantly with the
gaff, and when that failed took to just trying to grab it somewhere,
anywhere - but not too near its huge mouth, it was not to be. It was just
too slippery, and trying to heave a monster wriggling fish over the guard
wires proved a bridge too far. Caught on film, but lost to the ocean, and
the fact that everyone had managed not to lose their chicken curry during
the process was an added bonus.

So after many discussions of what could have been done differently to land
this monster - it was reckoned to be at least 25kg, we had to be content to
put the line back out and hope to catch something else soon. Wiggo where
were you when we needed you!!
Em
P.S Lots of Happy Birthday wishes to Helen for the 15th!!




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