Fish 2 Ty Dewi 3

18:00UTC 23/11/08 27'45N 069'32W

Well, score one more to Ty Dewi, although Yan argues that it was probably a draw. We let the fish go, but got our lure back. It was the biggest, meanest barracuda I have ever seen, with teeth like nails and an evil look on its face. Thankfully, by the time we got it aboard it was hardly in any state to fight, so lay there fairly calmly whilst I donned my boots, welders gloves and big pliers to get the hook out. It decided to start fighting again when I tried to pick it up and heave it over the side, daft thing doesn't know when it's about to get set free. And boy was it heavy, but I managed to get it to drop back into the ocean and it looks like he swam away. Phew. Now, where's that mahi?

Actually, if you count the little flying fish lying on the deck this morning, it's Ty Dewi 4, Fish 2 but we won't count that really.

The last twenty four hours have been true champagne sailing, lacking only blue skies and sunshine. The wind has been a perfect 20-25 knots from just behind the beam, making it the fastest and most comfortable point of sailing, a BroadReach, as I used to call my business. We've covered a record 159 miles in twenty four hours and the wind is set to stay the same for the next day at least. Added to that the fact the the sun has now come out and skies are indeed blue and we are enjoying this a great deal.

As usual though, the half way point brings interesting feelings. 'are we only half way?' being a recognition that after a week of sailing and hiding in Beaufort we still have some five days to go, this is indeed a long trip. But also a feeling that the pleasure of being at sea and the luxury of time to do little but eat, sleep and look after the boat without other pressures of life. At the same time, I can't wait to see Gesa and the kids walk through that arrivals gate in St Thomas. It does look like we're going to be there a day or so ahead of them, which is great, they didn't want to have to find a hotel for a night.

It's my turn to do lunch, and in the absence of edible fish I'll prepare a salad and dig out the cheese supplies.

All's well. N.

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