setting off the alarm.It was just past six in the morning and Steven had
just handed over watch when he was alerted by the alarm and pulled the
lure in and then slacked it again ,repeating this two or three times.The
marlin was criss crossing behind us and then attacked the lure and
the moon was sitting right above us.We use one and a half ton breaking
strain 2mm flat braided line and the marlin snapped our line like a
piece of cotton.On closer inspection the line snapped more or less in
the middle,not as one might suspect on a weaker spot like a knot.The
marlin's fin could clearly be seen about half a meter above the water
and one could clearly trace his movements by the wake left behind.Some
fish are just to big ,this was one of those rare occasions and that is
how our day began.Soon Steven had another line out and told me it was
more exciting watching the chase than actually catching a fish.It
happens at times that one gets a feeling ,look behind at the lure and
watch a fish chasing and taking the lure.Nine out of ten times the fish
would be landed ,this time it was not to be.
The weather is warming up quick now and we had the ventilator fans
running for the first time today.We also serviced both motors and
replaced the anodes.An anode is a zinc screw that protects the props and
motors and props from corrosion caused by sea water.So instead of the
other metal parts the zinc corrodes away and needs to be replaced at set
intervals.We had a snag or two with the oil extraction pumps but it
wasn't long before we had fresh oil in the motors and new anodes
installed.
We are about six days away from Brazil and as can be expected we also
saw our first ship today,reminding us that we are not alone out here and
now have to sharpen our watches a bit.I have done some calculations and
our fuel consumption so far is about 2 250 ltrs used for the first
3000nm.We are maintaining a speed of between 7-8kts and the consistant
wind and current from astern has assisted much in keeping our figures
lower than expected.I can't remember ever having such consistant winds
for so long,and on a sailing vessel we would have only used a little
fuel to keep our batteries charged every day.The powercat is a beautiful
vessel although we are not so attuned to the elements as we would have
been on a sailing vessel.
Our position currently is 08*55'S and 022*13'W.The equator we will only
cross two days or so after reaching Brazil and the new crew will
probably swim across the equator as their initiation ceremony.Always a
lot of fun ,especially if we happen to cross over at night.One thing to
take a dip in the ocean during the day ,another thing to do it at
night.Well,Friday has arrived and I wish you a splendid weekend.
Paul
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