Gulf stream

Blanshard
Mon 31 May 2010 22:57
Position 40 07.10N 062 07.46W  Log reading 12886  126 miles covered
 
Well, we've done it!  No, not home yet but lots of other things.
Caught a fish, hit the gulf stream and got our shorts back on.  Sadly the first is not quite true - repairs of the rod were made and the killer lure launched again.  6am this morning a strike and BIG pull.  We were doing about 5 knots so hard work trying to wind any line on and in the end it pulled line off FAST.  We (James is witness) saw a flash and big tail, maybe a tuna and then dinner was gone! with the lure which was our only half decent one.  We will keep trying.
The gulf stream was more amazing; leaving Boston the water temperature was 10 C, gradually increasing to about 13.  Yesterday afternoon the temperature suddenly jumped to 21 C and has risen to 23 - as warm as a swimming pool (some)!  What is more is that we are now in the current with a free extra knot of speed, even 2 knots at the start.  Lets hope it continues.  To mark the start of the tropical waters we saw a turtle, flying fish and more porpoisesNot much shipping only the occasional trawler
We are busy learning about weather and so far our predictions have not been quite accurate.  Flat calm last night with perfect sunset to appreciate Alastair's spag bol and dawn this morning to a clear blue sky. Not much wind overnight but yesterday afternoon we had F6 broad reaching at 9 to 12 knots surfing down the rollers - wow!  A good distance again for the past 24 hours.
So, a bit of washing (personal) has been done and clothing changed. A happy crew ...