We begin the 9th day aboard with clear skies and a friendly breeze and seas. Weather has winds a bit more to the bow than we had hoped but the boat is moving smoothly South. Solid daily progress suggests a possible landfall on St Thomas late tomorrow and everything is much relaxed aboard. The stress release on sails, rigging and sheets is obvious and with the crew as well.
Flatter conditions renews our routines and we are back to fully prepped meals and we start the day with eggs, bacon and toast, fresh brewed coffee and tea. With lighter and more favorable winds and storms receding to the north, the sun washes the decks and we all are spending more of the day on deck. Each of us is also “restoring” cabins, gear, and weather clothes below deck from days of harsher conditions and less maneuverability below.
Late afternoon the conditions look right, and a fishing pole comes out at the stern as we start a 9knt troll for some excitement and, hopefully a nice fish dinner. As the sun begins its arc down into the sea and the rest of the crew below, I notice a pretty bent rod tip and find we have “something” on. Previous experience with a “catch” of sea grass suggests I calmly ask below for my life vest so I can quietly strap in to the stern and investigate what’s at the end of our fishing line. Ten mins of careful retrieval makes clear we have a good-sized Mahi Mahi on the hook and I happily get the full crew on deck to assist with landing new provisions. The net is readied, and we ease sails and speed …… success! And for a short period, we have a 4th crew measuring about 30” in length.
Our day ends with ceviche and Mahi filets pan seared in a champagne lemon butter sauce. Welcome to the Islands!