Day 86 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe – Sam Davies’ daily log

Posted on February 04, 2009 @ 14:46:29
Posted by: VG 2009

Scary fish that go bump in the night

“Hello everyone!

The trade winds train continues northwards with Roxy, and it is starting to cool down a bit. I have got out my fleecy blanket to curl up in when I sleep – soon the sea water showers are going to be invigorating!

This morning, as I did the daily flying fish death count and clean-up, I discovered a really scary looking, long fish! He wasn't a flying version, and was probably minding his own business chasing his dinner when his world got churned up and dumped on Roxy's deck. The poor beast got trapped under the outhaul line, and his meal got spared to live another day!

Whoever was destined to be his dinner, however, had a lucky escape. This beast means business: he has a mouthful of very sharp teeth that would make light work of your average little flying fish. I was quite scared picking him up even when he was dead – imagine a "girl with mouse" scenario. I have no idea what kind of fish he is/was: answers on a postcard please!

Tonight, there have been no fish landing yet...maybe the moon helps them see Roxy coming?

I have just crossed paths with a French cruising boat named "Primadonna", who is on passage from Cape Verde to Pointe a Pitre. Luckily I had my radar on as we are also crossing the "Transquadra" fleet. I saw the little blip on my radar cross just a mile and a half from Roxy so I called them up and we had a nice conversation. After I gave them the latest weather information, I found out they have been following the Vendee Globe news on RFI with their BLU!

That was the first time I have spoken to anyone on the VHF since the beginning of the race. They told me they thought Roxy was a ship as they had seen her navigation lights and her huge mast!

S x”

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