Greetings from yacht Ensemble.
Yesterday afternoon what little wind there was disappeared and we finally had to put the engine on. This is the first time since we started that we've had to use the engine - and traditionally this leg has scant wind - so we can't really complain. Just over 900nm to go - so should be there in about a week.
In the morning Joel and I played around trying to get the parasailor up. It is the first time we've used it since the mast eyebolt came off - so it was still tangled. We finally got it up only to find it had a number of small tears - and a larger one near the starboard side of the wing - so we put it back in the bag. The wind died soon after - so no big loss - speed wise anyway. Will try and get it repaired in Tahiti.
Yesterday we set a new record for flying fish. 10 large ones spread throughout the ship - including one at the helm station (trying to give Magali a kiss), one on the sun bed, a couple at the base of the mast, one in the freshly washed sheets hanging off the guard rail - and one in our bedroom! (Now we know why you should keep the mosquito screens on at sea!)
Unfortunately - the flying fish are the only fish we're seeing...
Cheers
Dave & Magali
15March2012 001