Destiny 1, Flying fish 0!
17 June 2010 | 40 hours from Noumea
John and Shauna
Readers who don't have Alzheimer's will recall a serious terrorist attack on Destiny last year by a cadre of attack-trained flying fish, in the vicinity of Capel Bank (more commonly feared because it is only 10 metres below the surface in the middle of the ocean). They struck again this year in the same neck of the woods, attempting to suicide on deck and clog the scupper drains with their rotting remains. John was awake up to their fiendish plot, and for two nights running cleared several of the beasties from the side deck. We have had a strong northward set from the trade flow, assisted by the South Equatorial Current, both of which have sent us farther north than we would have liked - this is a common dilemma on this run. We have accepted this, but have sailed close-hauled for the last two days which has been a little boisterous but easily handled with a double-reefed main and a small staysail. The breeze and swell are coming down now and ironically we will need to motor the last several hours into Noumea. Any way, it's been interesting sailing and we have had to get the best out of Destiny to make it so far close to the rhum line. Thanks for the iridium SMS's to those who sent them - even "grandfather" type jokes are welcome at night when it's blustery and uncomfortable!! Cheers from us PS: Should be in the lagoon tomorrow overnight, Noumea Sunday morning - will put up some pics then