Yesterday turned out to be yet another rather eventful day. The weather was less great, with overcast skies all day. At about 10am, we were all on deck when we heard another large clunk, and watched the spinnaker drift down and into the sea. It took the four of us to grab it and hoist it on board, luckily unadamaged, to find that the halyard had chaffed through at the top. Oh dear. Another bad start to the day.
I decided after this drama, that I would make some fresh bread for lunch, especially since it was a bit nippy so couldnt lie in the sun, however, when I opened the ciabatta mix, I found it was crawling with weavels. I decided to put it in an airtight bag for use in emergency, and opened a new one.....but typically this, and the following 7 bags of the various types of bread mix were all bug infested. Having previsioned for at least 7 days of bread being dependent on the use of these mixes, Daddy has assured me that we will be using them. Nick has wisely suggested we put them in the microwave to kill the weavels before I have to put my hands in to mix the dough (Mummy, will this kill the yeast or will it be fine??)...
So I'm afraid the boys had to make do with parbake bread yesterday and I had planned to be brave and make some proper bread today, but as the sun is out I think it will have to wait! At about 5pm yesterday, it was decided that it was time to send somebody up the mast to sort out the broken spinnaker halyard; unluckily, Roger was nominated. Lots of faffing around was done moving sheets to different winches etc in preparation for hoisting him up, when there was a sudden whirring coming from the back of the boat- at last a fish. Daddy ran to grab his rod and spent the next ten minutes sorting out the fish, whilst Roger perched patiently in the bosun's chair at the foot of the mast. The fish was landed, and identified as a dorado; one of the most beautiful coloured fish I've seen.
Eventually, Roger began his ascension- however, it was now gone 6, the sun was going down, and the wind and sea conditions were worsening. At the first set of spreaders it was decided that maybe the halyard would have to wait until the sea flattened out a bit- gin and tonic time seemed like a better idea.
Supper last night was delicious; dorado baked in butter, lemon and garlic, with roasted new potatoes, green beans, and tomato salsa. We have however learnt that the boys are not particularly keen fish eaters, so after all the excitement, the fishing may have to become less frequent! What a shame.
Last night, on watch, Nick spotted a yacht on the horizon behind, and one in front too. These boats are still in sight, and Daddy has spoken to them both on the radio. We have now covered 712 miles and are just north of the Cape Verde islands heading west. We have been at sea for 5 days and covered exactly 1/4 of the mileage. Very exciting. Only another 15 days to go (if we're lucky)! xx