32:01.1N  72:00.7W  Fishing in the ocean is challenging!  First we need the proper gear….thanks to Ralph, we have a complete assembly of "everything needed to be a successful ocean fishman"!  Second, we need good conditions…our speed is usually good for trolling at 7-9 knots, but with too much rolling or rough seas, it is very difficult and even not safe to be fishing off the stern.  Third, you need the interest….and Ralph and Rich always have the interest, with Mike as their understudy.  And today it all came together!! The day started with Ralph showing Mike how to "make up" the tackle for fishing, connecting it to the rod, and beginning to troll.  About two hour later, with most of the crew below, Paul yelled "FISH ON"….that is the alert for all hands on deck to help land the fish.  Paul flattened the boat by adjusting the sails, then slowed us to less than 6 knots.  Ralph put on the "rod belt" and began working the rod…pulling up and winding in…Mike took pictures!  After about 20 minutes, the Mahi Mahi was in site, Rich reached over the side with the "gaff hook" and was able to hook the fish just below the gills….pulling up the gaff hook and pole, Ralph and Rich "landed the mahi"…and slowly the bright yellow green started to turn gray, as a plastic squirt bottle full of vodka was squeezed into her gills…she died with a smile!  Rich worked the hose to keep the teak deck wet so the blood would not stain, and Ralph went to work "dressing the fish", putting the filets and small meat parts into the white bowl.  A rope was used to tie the fish around the tail to be sure we would not loose her by slipping off the deck..when she first landed on deck there was A LOT OF FLOPPING GONG ON!!!  And so Ralph is no longer "no fish boy"….he is now "one fishman"…and the curse on Arbella is broken with Rich and Ralph aboard.  Cap made a fabulous fish dinner….unfortunately, this captain had to abstain as I was addressing my second run of sea sickness…not terrible, but not good.  I get sea sick every passage for 24 hours, but never have had it twice….and yet I take comfort in knowing that Lord Admiral Nelson, commander of the British Fleet at the historical Battle of Trafalgar, on HMS Victory, was sea sick ALL THE TIME THAT HE WAS ABOARD A TALL SHIP…so I have good company.  NEVERTHELESS, the crew saved some savory fish delights for Mike to have tomorrow!  Another great day at sea, 450 miles offshore, seeing some challenging sailing conditions ahead!  Captain Mike  (pictures continue on the next entry)