Arrival in the Marquesas

Nusquama Sailing Blog
Mon 25 Mar 2024 18:04
Monday 25 March

Arrival in Hiva Oa - 19 days at sea -

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well actually 18 days, 23 hours and 45 minutes. Just under 2650 NM at sea. Crew was Jules, Jean, Didi and Patrick. Jean unofficially appointed as head chef and he kept us well fed. We made bread in the pressure cooker, yoghurt and caught one fish - a 2 kg Bonito Tuna (day 18). We still had fresh food towards the end of the trip, so were pleased with our provisioning. We caught the tuna towards the end of the voyage - beginning to lose faith in our fishing skills but thankfully fish was caught on the yo-yo, and we served it three ways: Sashmi, ceviche and finger fillets - all served up with potato, cabbage and coconut. Evening cocktails at 5.30 provided a good framework for our day - Diplomatico rum and fresh orange juice a highlight. Wonderful time to read - Did finished four books, best being Signature of All Things, Jules read I am Pilgrim, Jean re-read James Clavell, and Patrick loved Gentlemen in Moscow - well amongst other books. Didi said it was the most lovely indulgence - who ever gets time to sit and read. Wildlife - not much - odd Frigate bird, odd Nasca Booby and swarms of flying fish and flying squid - but we were mid Ocean so this was not surprising. And really no fish - again not surprising as we were so far from land. Watches were 2 hours on and 6 hours off. Light airs to begin with, then and series of squalls - 30+ knots from time to time. Night skies fantastic, and watched the waxing moon night after night, until it was full just as we arrived at the Marquesas. No scary stories, just a safe and happy passage.