A stunning day dawns as Egret heads for a seamount
Day 20: Gone fishing
Position: N16 24.42 W22 04.74
Course: 200 degrees
Distance travelled: 1558.79 nm from Gibraltar
Average speed: 6.2 knots,
Conditions: 3′ E swells, apparent wind 8.2 knots ESE
Scott and Mary Flanders left Gibraltar on 16 September, and we’ll be following their journey every step of the way, thanks to this unique online “blog”. For the first instalment of their diary, click here.
You may notice a course change from our usual 209 degrees. At breakfast this morning Steve hooked a billfish. Unfortunately the eye of the hook straightened (not welded as usual) & that was that. We have been in constant flying fish for three days and where there is food, bigger critters follow. Mary picked out a seamount slightly off course 40 miles ahead so with fishing fever we have changed course to give it a try. Seamounts are natural attractants throughout every ocean. As ocean currents swirl around the seamount it consolidates the bait drawing in the big guys. At 24 miles out we’ll take the radar to 24 miles. If there are local Cape Verde boats fishing the seamount we’ll give it a pass. We’ll see.
The weather has been beautiful. Last night was a full moon lighting up the flyers at they scatter away from the boat. That and the sunrise this morning were outstanding.
The flying fish we had for lunch yesterday were not a disappointment. They had a very mild white meat (no fishy taste at all) with a crispy fried batter shell. That and a fresh fruit salad made a tasty and healthy lunch.
Life is very good aboard M/Y Egret. Now if the fish will snap all will be well.
