Jocara Newsletter
Oct 8, 2004

We just started our 5th day at sea. We have done 500 miles which is a 
quarter of the way to Rodrigues. With just enough wind to sail we're 
making about 5 knots, not a great speed but life on board is quite 
comfortable. We haven't tried to repair the boom, and are sailing on Genoa 
and staysail.  Alex is doing fine. He did throw up once but made an 
immediate recovery. The kids play with lego, experiment with the fishing 
gear and do a little bit of school work. Yesterday we (finally!) caught 
our first fish, a beautiful Mahi Mahi (also known as a Dorado, or Dolphin 
fish). We nearly caught 2 but the second one got away because we're not up 
to speed yet with getting the fish on board. Alex got quite upset with the 
blood and violence of killing the fish, but had no trouble at all enjoying 
the fabulous sushi dinner that followed.  Star has been enjoying the fresh 
fish as well, but somehow Cannelle still hasn't discovered fish is edible 
and prefers to nibble at the hydroponic garden. Last night we had a bit of 
excitement when we found ourselves on a collision course with a big 
freighter with a closing speed of 16 knots. There's so much ocean, we 
haven't seen a ship for days and then suddenly the radar alarm goes off 
and 20 minutes later we have to take avoiding action, passing just 100m 
apart side-by-side. To our surprise the ship answered our radio call and 
co-ordinated with us to change their course.  Still it got pretty close 
and was a reminder how quickly things can happen!  Later today we'll start 
microparticle and organic pollutant sampling.  First, we'll have some 
fresh Ceviche and our home-made 'Jocara Juicy Burgers' for lunch! PS.  
Just landed our second Mahi Mahi -it seems our fishing luck may have 
changed...

Position at 05:00 UTC on 8/10/2004 is 13 deg. 45.5'S, 88 deg. 15.8'E, 
making about 5 knots in 8 to 12 knots of apparent wind about 40 deg. off 
the stern portside with 2 m of sea swell, steering 260 degrees.