Latitude; 23°20.5 S
Longitude; 153°33.7 E
Distance run in 24hrs; 68.6 NM
Average speed; 2.8 Kn
At 1400 the call comes for all hands to wear ship. We have made such good progress that we are now North of Gladstone with SW winds. Unfortunately the wind direction will not allow us to sail West in through the reef towards the coast and Bustard Bay. Unlike the previous voyage we are well ahead of our schedule so we decide to wear ship and head east to make the most of the sailing.
While wearing ship Steve notices that we have finally got a fish on the Engineers fishing line, the first one since leaving Sydney. Steve and Captain Ross pull in the line and land a decent sized tuna. Now the question is who caught the fish? Is it the engineer Mark, because it is his tackle and line, or is it Captain Ross and Steve because they landed it? Comments and thoughts on this one would be appreciated.
Mark preparing sashimi
At dusk Mark starts brining in the fishing lines and much to our disbelief there is a fish on the hook but all that remains of it is the head, something bigger has come along and eater the rest of it! We also had a visitor today in the great cabin. As Peter was relaxing reading his book a swallow flew through the window did a lap and landed for a rest before flying back out, which is pretty incredible considering we are still over 65NM from land.
The afternoon also brings small groups of watches gathering for the Sod’s opera preparation. The last crew were fantastic but this crew also looks as though they are going to provide some top entertainment.
This morning we have another brief whale sighting but then it is followed by some very active jumping dolphins, that come and play in the wake. After the usual happy hour, Captain Ross gives a lecture on deck about meteorology.
All’s well.
Dolphins coming to play in the wake