Passage To Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands Day 18
Oyster Moon
Paul Foskett & Rhu Nash
Wed 4 Apr 2012 18:54
Passage To Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands Day 18
We left Puerto Ayora Galapagos Island heading for Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands at 08.00 am local time UTC (GMT) - 6 hours on Sunday the 18 Mach 2012.
Day 18 Distance to go, 843 miles.
Log reading now at noon 14041
Distance travelled noon to noon over the ground was 111 miles, through the water 124 miles.
Noon to Noon report on the 4th April 12
We had a close encounter with a very large Tuna Fishing vessel around 21.30 last night.
We had been sailing all day with the cruising shoot up, and as the night was look good for a change, we decided to kept it up as night approached, with the intention of keeping it up as long as possible.
At about 21.30 last night I could see the Tuna Fishing vessel off in the distance. Our tracks were starting to approach each other so I tried radioing the vessel, but got no reply at all. I then started shining my very powerful flood light at it, followed by more radio calls, still not reply.
It became very obvious that they either where not maintaining any sort of watch for any vessels nearby, or they just did not care. As a result we had to take down the cruising shoot to enable us to manoeuvre out of the way.
So to any sailors in any ocean, beware of fishing vessels they do not keep a watch system going at all. This is now the fourth time one of our group has had a very similar experience. It makes you think and keep your own watch system going regardless of how long it has been since you last saw another vessel.
The sea state is now moderate with a swell running of about 3.00 m.
Wildlife report
Flying fish and some sea birds, but not much else.
Shipping report
A TUNA FISHING VESSEL .
Fishing report
I have had another day off fishing, due to the weather, so STILL No fish yet!!!
Fleet Positions
Karacool set off with us, and her position is 95 miles ahead of us.
Camelot set off on Tuesday and is now 488 miles behind us.
Marita 3 set off on Tuesday and is now 429 miles behind us.
Next report on the 5th April.
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