ARC 2019 – Day 5 – Dorado fishing quotas not yet breached

Thursday 28^th November – Day 5 – Hook, line and sinker

Just coming off the night watch and reflecting on the journey so far and the last 24 hours.  It has been great to get to know the rest of the crew and share stories about our lives and to get a sense of why we all find ourselves sat together in the Atlantic.

Although for the last two days winds have been low, overwhelmingly spirits have been high. It is great that those who suffered with sea sickness are now back on top form and we are now becoming a great and supportive team.

Reflective time

With some quiet moments I have had time to reflect on my own anxieties about the trip and the things I thought would bother me about the voyage.  Being so far from land, sailing through the night, helming in complete darkness are all things I worried about before coming on-board, and interestingly these have been the things I enjoy the most.  Last night helming in near total darkness with the spinnaker up felt so relaxing.  Seeing dolphins torpedo around the side of the boat creating bio-luminescence is surreal and an absolute privilege.  At times when the wind completely drops it feels like you are on a ghost ship.

Catching a Dorado

Dorado – The catch of the day

One of the things I really wanted to do on the voyage was to fish in the Atlantic.  Yesterday we hung a trace off the back of the boat that I bought in Las Palmas and after a few hours we hit lucky.  There are two fish that I have on my wish list and I am pleased to say that I ticked one off by catching a Dorado (Mahi Mahi).  It was a decent size but given I have bragging rights for the next couple of weeks I am sure it will grow slightly bigger every time I tell the story.  Within minutes (mostly thanks to Paul’s enthusiasm to get it to the table) we were eating sushi and also baked the rest of the fish for dinner.  My promise is tuna for Friday but let’s see.

Much love to those back home.  Having the time of my life but you are always in my thoughts.  One day I hope to share similar experiences with you. x

Jas

Sunset in the atlantic

Skipper’s Log

Jason landed a very large Dorado which fed the crew last night with left overs !

We have been flying the Spinnaker for the last 48 hours in light winds with a gentle swell. Making steady progress depending on helming. Some struggling, some managing to reach 6 knots and keeping the kite well filled and not collapsing as the puffs come and go.

Even lighter winds today will affect progress, but the forecast show that it should improve after midnight and continue to improve through next week.

Ricky Chalmers

Skipper

A slow evening with boat speeds occasionally down to 2.5 knots up to around 5.5

Helms concentrating and helming well under the spinnaker.

Kirstie Chalmers-Rowe

1st Mate

Where we are an other stuff

Date : 28 November 2019

Time : 12:00 GMT (12am Boat Time)

Position : 23.50 N 17.39 W

Position : 95Nm from the African Coast

Destination : Rodney Bay, St Lucia

ETA : 1900 Dec 25 (GPS)

DTF : 2361 Distan1ce Run 545

Wind : AWA : 130 AWS : 3

Sailplan : Full Main, Spinnaker

Today on Challenger 2 :

Breakfast :  pancakes, bacon Lunch : Salad Buffet & potato salad, Dinner : Italian Tuna Pasta

Latest Positions for the ARC 2019 Rally

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Posted by: First Class Sailing