The wind gods don’t seem to be hearing us as there is still a fairly major lack of puff. Our fuel calculations have been going full throttle as we attempt to decipher whether we can still make it by engine. Calculations done, answer – wishful thinking…

We would manage to get about 300nm away from Antigua before only having enough for generator use for the rest of the way. This means we are somewhat relying on a few windy days. We are now in the ‘trade winds’ (non-existent at the moment) which normally blow from a north easterly direction giving a nice broad reach/reach the whole way to Antigua. We did have a small amount of wind yesterday for some motor sailing but from the south west, giving us a very close reach with main and staysail up. This is turning into more of a ‘not your average crossing’ scenario every day!

On the fishing front, our tiniest little lure seems to be attracting all the attention, bar yesterday which saw not a single fish onboard. This morning started off with a bit more punch. I was sitting happily on watch (whilst the rest of the crew were still snoring) when one of the reels started flowing out, very quickly. Throttle down and a quick shout to crew mates when reel number two starts whizzing out uncontrollably, and seconds later, rod three. Another slightly more tense cry (“lots of fish!”) and help finally arrives. We lost one fish, but landed the other two on deck. One very feisty mahi mahi which was put back and another small tuna, hurrah!

Dinner time!

Clare