Fish, Leaks and Bump Seas
31 December 2016 | Isle de Cabrit - The Saintes - Guadalupe
Frank
We left Pigeon Island on the West Coast of Guadalupe at dawn yesterday. Brisa and Bluejacket followed a little later.
The sea was like a mill pond for the first 10 miles. So we motor-sailed with a full mainsail. Last season we had the mainsail modified and it furls much better now.
At about 5 miles north of Pointe du Vieux Fort on the S/W tip of Guadalupe we were hit by very strong winds at times force 6.
As we rounded the point and headed across the open sea we had to furl the main and motor directly into the strong winds and heavy seas.
We spoke to Ocean Gem and Black Coral on VHF who were both heading the opposite way back to Antigua.
We then caught one large Spanish mackerel and a very large Yellow Fin Jack. Both were difficult to land in the bumpy seas.
We arrived safely in Isle de Cabrit and dinghyed across the bay to check in - we got soaked.
We found water again in the forepeak - the problem is the poor Lewmar hinge design - I have replaced some bits so hopefully it will be ok for a while until I can get more spares.
In the evening Brisa and Bluejacket joined us on board for a fish BBQ.