Finns and fins
Halcyon
Rob Withers
Wed 7 Dec 2011 19:35
The wind may be frustrating, but it all happens out in the Atlantic.
Last night, following the Finnish national anthem on the VHF, we
arranged to meet the crew of Suzanne for a drink. We were both
motoring on a converging course and a couple of hours later we were
side by side. Slowing to 2 knots, we closed and let Alistair and Steve
go aboard Suzanne, whilst we hosted Ulla and Peter. We had a great
mid-Atlantic party - the Finns (actually 3 Finns and 1 very merry
Swede) were extremely happy and hearty and great company. We had a
lovely drink sailing together into the sunset. Throughout this
trip, Sarah has been asserting to everybody within earshot that she's
not married to any us, or James' mother. The Finns just smiled and
winked in a knowing way.
'No,No. I have a husband and family at home'.
Cue even more laughs and winks.
Steve and Alistair chatted to Jan and
Harry about fishing techniques, and were assured that pinks lures are
the answer - and they very kindly gave us one to try. Rather
disloyally, they remarked on their return about how nice the Finnish
boat was.
An hour or so later, we repeated the slightly-dangerous crew transfer
manoeuvre and carried on our way. They were motoring faster than us,
but as soon as there is any wind, our super-genoa trumps most other
yachts. We'll see who arrives in St Lucia first, but I'm sure there
will be more laughs and drinks with the crew of Suzanne
The night was absolutely clear and calm. No wind for sailing, but a
big dent made in the distance to finish. It was hot and loud down
below, but the lack of rolling made a pleasant change.
James got up reasonably early (for a change) and made bacon sandwiches
for everybody - a great breakfast. The pink lure was cast out of the
stern, and some of us set about repairing the bottom mainsail batten,
which had broken in one of the downwind drops.
Soon after, much excitement as the pink lure worked! We hauled aboard
a beautiful Dorado which we estimated at 10lbs. The Fillipino
Fish-killing rum soon dispatched the poor fish and it was soon dead on
deck. Sarah gamely started butchering the fish, only to give a huge
squeal as it gave a final thrash when she cut the spinal cord.
Alistair cooked 5 steaks for lunch and we have plenty left for tomorrow.
We motored for most of the afternoon but the wind has increased
slightly and we are now ghosting along at 5 knots. Our afternoon was
completed when a large pod of dolphins approaching rapidly on the port
side all leapt clear of the water to say hello and then swam around the
bows for a while before disappearing into the blue yonder.
