Close encounters with the Sri Lankan fishing fleet!

Bobbejaan
J Louw(s)
Tue 1 Dec 2009 13:02
Position: 5:55N  84:00E
Distance travelled: 2147nm
Distance to go: 937nm
Day: 24
Fish caught today: 0
 
We had four fishing boats chasing us today and one last night. They are 140 miles from the closest land in no more than a single engine wooden boat 30 feet long. They want cigarettes, whiskey or beer. After the first boat came within a few feet of us, we decided to outrun them. You know, have some fun! So, we will do 6 knots which is faster than they can go and then we will slow down as soon as they give up the chase. Then they will chase us again waving like crazy for us to stop. One chase lasted about 20 miles.
 
We are going against the current at the moment and it is no fun doing 3 knots or less. At least when the moon is out we get a little more speed. We are also seeing a lot of thunderstorms around us. These have some of the most spectacular cloud formation. At night, we have amazing lightning shows. We have a beautiful full moon tonight. It is so bright you can see miles at night.
 
We are right in the middle of the shipping lane and there are about 10 boats around us all the time. We had a few passed by less than 500m from us. The bow wave is making an interesting ride.
 
Jessa is doing much better now that she takes the sea sick tablets every day. We are still waiting for the rough weather to see if she can handle it.
 
BTW...the fish cakes yesterday was super delicious!
 
Johann
SY Bobbejaan


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