Two flying fish came onboard last night so it made a welcome change to have fresh fish for breakfast. They are a bit like herring in taste and in bone structure and very nice fried up with some olive oil.
Luckily this wind has held and we continue to make good progress south towards the equator. It was steady all night so no sail changes and a quiet night in for me. Clearer skies today so it has been warm despite the fresh wind.
I was sitting in the cockpit thinking I hadn’t seen any shipping in a while when two seconds later we rose on a wave and there was a ship right ahead of us! She was about four miles away and was crossing us heading north so that was as near as we got to her. She was the Panstellar and looked like a bulk carrier. Her destination on the AIS was given as EG Dam, whatever that means, and she was due to arrive there on Christmas Day.
There are several clumps of seaweed floating around, all of the same kind. It must have broken off from the African coast, as there are no islands near here.
We passed the 3000nm mark just after lunch. It seems a lot but we’ll have done ten times that and more by the time we get back.
Thanks again to all who have sent in cheery and welcome comments. It’s all very appreciated. My best regards to you all.
By Ian Jamieson Sat Dec 14th 2013 at 6:36 pm
Gongrats Andrew, good daily runs again and 3000 NM run. It’s all downhill now to the Horn at least. Really wishing for favourable winds for you through till you catch the trades again South of the Line. Best regards Ian & Shirley.
By Philip T Moss. Sun Dec 15th 2013 at 12:07 pm
Keeping up with your journey, and marvelling at the fortitude and pure resilience you have to pursue this trip.
We had quite a good night last night,with Alyson doing a sterling job assisting these two okld crones with the Annual Xmas Fancy dress party, this time it being ‘Cowboys and Indians’, the descriptions being taken very broadly, with cowboys covering buildars,mexicans and casino operatives.Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and all were asking after you,and marvelling at your trip.
I,m afraid we,re a little hung over this a.m., and ready for a hopefilly early night when the family sets of to New Zealand this evening.
We’ll keep watching and reading, so keep going, and we wish you a Happy Xmas and a safe continuation of your adventure,
Sheila and Philip.
By Michael and Margaret Hannah Sun Dec 15th 2013 at 9:01 pm
HM Fishing Control – 2 flying fish!! Have you applied for a flying fish quota. If not return to port and fill in 10 kg of forms immediately!!
Christmas trees up now. Seasons greetings. God speed!
Margaret and Michael
By Magnie Shearer Mon Dec 16th 2013 at 9:21 pm
Hi Andrew … Think EG Dam is the port of Damietta in Egypt, about 70 km fae Port Said. Enjoying following your logbook updates, great to see where you are and hear your news! All the best for the trip and hae a good Christmas somewhere in the middle o’ da Ocean! Cheers Magnie