Arbutus at Bab El Mandeb Strait, motoring North. We are tracking the IRTC to the north of the westbound lane with 325 miles to go to Djibouti. Sailing underÿ#3ÿheadsail only, making 6.2 knots on a course of 253T. Wind is easterly at 15 to 20 knots. Acalephe is about 70 miles behind us, in between the east and westbound lanes of the IRTC. They have similar wind and have reefed main and poled out headsail.
Position 13° 11.440′ N 48° 38.537′ E
COG 253T
SOG 5.8kt
Fishing has been pretty poor, mostly because we haven’t had a line out. I guess you gotta be in it it win it. We have, however, found flying fish on deck some mornings, especially when the sea’s been up. So a couple of days ago we pan fried four of them after cleaning and refrigerating in the morning. Turns out they’re pretty good! Taste a bit like sardines and the spine with fine bones can be pulled clean out once cooked. Tasty with home baked bread and Nando’s Hot Peri Peri Sauce!
Position 13° 22.188′ N 49° 14.650′ E
COG 256T
SOG 6.3kt
Wind now 8 to 12 knots from the east. Just not enough to sail so we continue motoring.
Position 13° 32.756′ N 49° 50.249′ E
COG 251T
SOG 5.9kt
Log 9,434 nm
Engine 206.3 h