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Boni Venti - LOG DAY 4 - TUNA FOR SUPPER



Cracked the 2400 miles to go barrier this morning, which is encouraging even if a very long way to sail! Studied the weather charts this morning and opted to take the Southerly route (head west when the butter melts) heading towards the Cape Verde islands. Gybed onto port tack late afternoon which gave us a more comfortable ride due to less swell effect.

Trolling line (Shimano two speed reel, 30lb breaking strain line, garish pink lure with vicious double hook) out since 9am and at 4pm, started to click wildly! All attention on the fish as we prepare for our first catch. Heavy strain on the line as the beast tries to tow us back to Las Palmas, but it eventually tires (as does Jonathan on the rod!) and a 20lb tuna, complete with retractable dorsal fin, is hauled onto the bathing platform by Robert with the gaff, before being stunned by a glass of Gordons down the gills (which Karen claimed was a waste of good gin) and repeated blows to the brain with a pump handle. A beautiful looking fish, and we carved off two thick pieces of flesh from the flanks which we had for supper, cut into medallions and roasted in the oven with oil & lemon, served with mini roasted potato pieces and green beans – Karen making Rick Stein look like an amateur!

Usual watch system, 3 hours on and 6 hours off, which became more eventful at around 0300. Unfortunately one of our crew, Scott, has to return urgently to his family in Chicago and so we have changed direction and are now heading for Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands to disembark Scott. We should arrive in Mindelo late Friday/early Saturday and will take a decision then as to continued participation in the ARC.


A subdued boat, for obvious reasons, but decent boat speed at 15.45 of 8 kts, heading 200 degs to Mindelo.


The fishing line is streaming off the transom again this afternoon, but will lightning strike twice?


Jonathan.

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