THURSDAY 11TH JANUARY 2007.
POSITION: 13 29N 90 09W – OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
DISTANCE TRAVELLED:
WIND:160 DEGREES AT 12 KNOTS
WEATHER: WARM SUNNY AND FINE.
NEWS:
We cleared the Gulf of Tehautepec yesterday afternoon and the wind decreased
dramatically. The highest gust that we saw in there was 63 knots and at
times it was a consistent 50 to 55. Quite and experience that will not be
soon forgotten.
Last night it was pitch black with light offshore breeze and numerous
fishing boats, shrimpers we think. The problem was that there were also lots
of tiny boats which did not show up on radar and had no lights. They would
see us coming and turn on a bright light right in front of us – pretty scary
but we managed not to hit any of them although some passed as close as a few
hundred yards away.
This morning we motorsailed along the Guatemalan coast which is quite
dramatic. The twin peaks of Volcan Fuego and Volcan Agua (Fire and Water)
were clearly visible with just a wisp of cloud on the top. They are both
almost 13,000 feet high and are impressive.
Yesterday was a non fishing day due to the weather but this morning we put
the lines out again and soon had an 18 lb Mahi Mahi on board. Seems they
like the red lures as well! We are again seeing lots of big turtles
sunbathing on the surface, dolphins and big flocks of Shearwaters flying
around close aboard.
We are pushing along nicely and expect to arrive off the Marina Puesta del
Sol in the early hours tomorrow. We need to go up the channel at first light
in order to catch the tide. Everyone on board is looking forward to our
arrival and a cold glass of beer or whatever.
PHil
