blog
Tranquilizer
Sail Ionian
Sat 4 Jun 2011 12:19
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36:53.4N 007:52.9W 11.20UTC Cog
065deg
Good Morning once again from the crew of
Tranquilizer. We've reached the Gulf of Cadiz and as I type these notes we can
see Faro just a few miles to the north. Stefano spotted the Portuguese coast at
9am this morning (though we're stil on Azores time so that wouyld have been 10am
Lisbon & UK time, 11am Spain / Gibralter).
It's a beautiful sunny Saturday here but once again
the wind is doing some particuliar things, it's moved to SE so we're currently
on a starboard tack heading NE. Dan's plan is that we then hug the coast line
down past Cadiz towards the Strait of Gibralter. (Note that I mentioned it's
Dan's plan so we have someone to blame if it doesn't work out!).
Yesterday was eventful for several reasons, though
the wind completely died on us barely registering Force 1 at times. Just before
11am the starboard fishing line saw activity, it proved to be a huge Tuna but
just as Stefano tried to lift him from the water, plosh he was gone (the Tuna
not Stefano). Stefano was gutted - alas the Tuna wasn't to be. However as if
waiting for a bus withing 5 minutes the port line took a bite. The landing crew
were more successful this time, landing a large yellow fin tuna of around 5kg.
Supper for the next two evenings was sorted.
 Otty proudly displaying Friday's fish of the
day.
During the afternoon Dan stalled the boat long
enough for George, Otty and myself to enjoy a refreshing dip in the Atlantic (it
was only 4800 metres deep, needless to say neither of us attempted to dive to
bottom).
 George & Clive in the Atlantic, somewhere off
the SW coast of Portugal.
As 'mother' for the day it was down to me cook the
tuna. Thai green curry was decided upon and enjoyed by all. Big thanks to Otty
& George Tommy no. 2 ready for the pan.
ETA at Gibralter is now likely to be later than
planned, providing there aren't any further dramatic changes to conditions we
hope to arrive late pm Sunday. Gordon will therefore miss the French Open Final
but at least we now know who will contest it. Within site of land means mobiles
have picked up a signal for the first time in a week. Thumbs have been
fevereshly checking messages and texting loved ones.
All being well, tomorrow's blog will be sent near
to or even at our destination of Marina Bay, Gibralter.
Bye for now from all aboard
Tranquiluizer
Clive
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