Position 1200 UTC 26th November  25:26.00 N 18:49.00 W

Yesterday was a day of mixed winds, which became very light during the late afternoon and overnight, so progress was very slow.  We spent quite a time stopping the sails (Ritchies’ new sails indeed) from flogging in the heavy swell.  The night was quiet and for a time we motored, but soon got a jib out again when there was just enough wind to keep us going.  We decided to head further south to find wind and during this morning we certainly did. We’re currently heading SSW with a poled out jib and prevented main and going along at between 7 and 8 knots most of the time.  It would be even better if we were going in the exactly right direction but we can’t have everything.  The important decision we now have to make is when to turn west.   There’s no sign of the butter melting and anyway, we don’t know whether to use salted or unsalted. Too late and we’ll get light winds. Too early and we’ll get contrary winds. We’ve plenty of time to think about it though.  Phil (who hates fish) had to eat humble pie today as the first fish was landed.  There has been a bit of banter about the likelihood of catching anything but there was no doubt about todays catch.  It was a Mahi mahi about 60cm to 70cm long and it was quickly put out of its misery and has been filleted ready for a meal probably tomorrow.  Unfortunately there was only enough for 3 people but  Phil fought back the tears of disappointment to go without. 

 

We’re all in good spirits and getting into the watch keeping routine which always takes a day or two. Despite our problems at the beginning with the steering, which forced us to stop for a number of hours and placed us in a less favourable position to get the best wind, we’re certainly not last with a number of boats behind us.