Pos 14:40N 57:02W
The wind may be frustrating, but it all happens out in the Atlantic. Last night, following the Finnish national anthem on the VHF, we arranged to meet the crew of Suzanne for a drink. We were both motoring on a converging course and a couple of hours later we were side by side. Slowing to 2 knots, we closed and let Alistair and Steve go aboard Suzanne, whilst we hosted Ulla and Peter. We had a great mid-Atlantic party - the Finns (actually 3 Finns and 1 very merry Swede) were extremely happy and hearty and great company. We had a lovely drink sailing together into the sunset. Throughout this trip, Sarah has been asserting to everybody within earshot that she's not married to any us, or James' mother. The Finns just smiled and winked in a knowing way. 'No,No. I have a husband and family at home'. Cue even more laughs and winks.
Steve and Alistair chatted to Jan and Harry about fishing techniques, and were assured that pinks lures are the answer - and they very kindly gave us one to try. Rather disloyally, they remarked on their return about how nice the Finnish boat was.
An hour or so later, we repeated the slightly-dangerous crew transfer manoeuvre and carried on our way. They were motoring faster than us, but as soon as there is any wind, our super-genoa trumps most other yachts. We'll see who arrives in St Lucia first, but I'm sure there will be more laughs and drinks with the crew of Suzanne
The night was absolutely clear and calm. No wind for sailing, but a big dent made in the distance to finish. It was hot and loud down below, but the lack of rolling made a pleasant change.
James got up reasonably early (for a change) and made bacon sandwiches for everybody - a great breakfast. The pink lure was cast out of the stern, and some of us set about repairing the bottom mainsail batten, which had broken in one of the downwind drops.
Soon after, much excitement as the pink lure worked! We hauled aboard a beautiful Dorado which we estimated at 10lbs. The Fillipino Fish-killing rum soon dispatched the poor fish and it was soon dead on deck. Sarah gamely started butchering the fish, only to give a huge squeal as it gave a final thrash when she cut the spinal cord. Alistair cooked 5 steaks for lunch and we have plenty left for tomorrow.
We motored for most of the afternoon but the wind has increased slightly and we are now ghosting along at 5 knots. Our afternoon was completed when a large pod of dolphins approaching rapidly on the port side all leapt clear of the water to say hello and then swam around the bows for a while before disappearing into the blue yonder.
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