A Day in the Life Of Skyelark 2 Revisited
Since James wrote “A Day in the Life of Skyelark 2” when we had 1,000 nautical miles on the clock a lot has happened. We now have less than 900 miles to go. Skipper is running a competition to guess our arrival time - all but one of us have Thursday 7th. Skipper’s estimate is 6am so just five more sleeps!!
Since James’s update we have done a lot of sailing. It’s a slow wind year but we have had enough breeze to sail continually for the last 1,100 miles. Mostly with the wind behind us “goose winged” with the mainsail and staysail on one side and the big genoa out on a pole on the other side. Every day or so skipper calls for a Gybe. This involves most of us. Bringing the pole in then moving it to the other side. Furling the two smaller sails. Bringing the main sail across. Unfurling the two small sails. Making adjustments to the rigging. We’ve also done some broad reaching. Crew have taken turns to take the helm under close supervision from Dan and Richard. No gybing allowed then. But when the going get’s tough “Otto” the auto pilot takes over and puts us all to shame.
Our tranquil days have been punctuated by some full on fishing (tally to date 5 Mahi-Mahi, 3 Tuna, 3 Wahoo). Every few hours the rods make a noise and someone shouts “Fish On”. Everyone then sprints to the killing zone, a special deck at the back of the boat designated as a fish abattoir. The seasoned fishermen in the crew rip their shirts off and adopt their fixed maniacal killing face. Those of us more used to getting their fish from Ocado provide back up support. This involves getting ready the Fish Stabbing Knife, the Salt Water Hose (for cleaning blood), the Fish Killing bucket, the Fish Filleting Knife, a strange Rod with a hook on it, and a big Fish Filleting Tray. It’s sad and to see these beautiful creatures despatched but the Skipper’s tuna sushi and sashimi was truly exceptional and the seared tuna steaks were the best I have ever eaten.
Ever day has got hotter as we head south and it is now properly sweltering. It turns out that rumours of the Atlantic being in any way rough are grossly exaggerated. Day 13 and we haven’t seen a big wave yet. Not unlike a Mediterranean cruise. There is a beautiful sunrise each morning behind the boat and the sun arcs over the boat and sets stunningly across the bow. Cooler in the morning and lively on deck but from about 11am it is scorching and those not on watch scurry below with their Kindles to find shade. In the afternoon the sail proves good shade and things become more Al Fresco again. Temperatures in the galley are similar to the surface of the sun and the unfortunate chefs drip sweat into their creations reducing the need for additional seasoning.
Watch system is ingrained. Midnight to 3am and 1am to 4am are a bit brutal but on the upside we see the wonderful night sky with no light pollution with the planets, stars, satellites and shooting stars. My highlight I think was bioluminescence night with flashing squid and dolphins leaving beautiful sinusoidal light trails and bright tunnels under and around the boat.
Looking forward to seeing you all – hopefully exactly at 14.15 Hrs on Thursday.
Neil
XXX
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