On way to Canary Islands

Sunday Island is sailing in the Atlantic Ocean on our way to the Canary Islands!

We experienced a perfect execution of Gibraltar Straits yesterday, creeping along the shore to stay out of the tide until reaching Tarifa, then crossing to the south just as the tide turned and racing along at 8 kts with full sail

Once clear of the Traffic Separation Scheme, and south of the straits the wind began to drop off so we hoisted our code zero and glided effortlessly along into the Atlantic Swells. For Emilie and I it was a huge sense of achievement to be finally crossing oceans again. For the kids it was just another day at home as they did their crafts, read books and played with Leggo.

Whilst in Gibraltar I walked the entire island searching for a good fishing tackle shop and was rewarded with a pokey little shop, so crammed with fishing tackle that there was barely enough room for two people in the shop. I was rewarded with the purchase of a new Kona rod, Okuma 50II trawling reel and some great tackle. Proving Max’s Australian origin, Max had been asking to set “C’mon Dad, can we set up the big rig”, so once clear of the TSS, we set it up and started trawling.

At 1700, coinciding with the wake of our ol’ mate Marty (Family friend in Palma) when everybody was paying their respects in Palma the rod went Ziiinnngggg and we began to reel in our first tuna for the voyage. Marty loved fishing so I thought it was a fitting tribute!

Just after dinner on our first night we were joined with a pod of 50 dolphins who surrounded Sunday Island and escorted her towards Lanzarote, displaying some fantastic flips and giving us all a fantastic show. We have been searching a good set of books to identify dolphins, whales, sea birds and fish and we would love any recommendations for the set to order.

With lee cloths up the children went to bed in the forward cabin, and I went to bed aft while Emilie took the first of the night watches.

Check out our noon position, course, speed and weather at:
http://cms.winlink.org:444/maps/positionreports.aspx?callsign=vk7hew