Leg One: The journey begins

After years of talk and much preparation including a frantic final few days of purchasing food and booze, 13 000 gallons of diesel and some more booze to name but a few essentials, we were underway, bound ultimately for the Mediterranean but for now, who knows, first stop yet to be determined. 


With a large high pressure system over much of the northern Atlantic providing a favorable weather outlook for the first week of cruising we decided to head north for 24 hours before making a final decision on our first port of call. But first as is custom on a long voyage the somewhat superstitious "there is no such thing as a coincidence" Captain Mike ordered a toast to Neptune.  John did the honors and we set off hoping one glass of champagne would be enough to keep the big guy happy. 

Carol and Nancy prepare an offering to Neptune and breakfast for the rest of the crew

John makes the offering. "Its not easy throwing good stuff out" John Erickson 2012

Howard, Ed, John, nancy, Mike, Lori, Peter, Carol

The fishing rods were soon put out and it was not long before Ed had a big Mahi Mahi bull on the end of the line. Sadly for us it was not to be and after bringing it in close to the boat the line snapped before it could be landed.  

So close yet so far, the one that got away.

The next few days saw exceptional fishing effort with little result to speak of.  After a long unsuccessful day spent on the aft deck fishing (including three lost fish) Peter was receiving a fair amount of abuse (as is the way with this crew) and along with the rest of the fishing crew starting to feel waves of self doubt about their fishing ability. On our final day of fishing before heading into Newport, Rhode Island our now chosen first port of call Peter redeemed himself with a big Yellowfin Tuna. 

Peter and Capt. Mike with Peter's tuna.

Chef Lori gets to preparing a few small tuna steaks

After all the hard work of preparing the fresh tuna for dinner the pressure was on John to deliver some rare tuna steaks from the grill, something which does not come naturally for Mr. "Who ordered well done?" Fortunately a highly opinionated grilling quality control committee was established and dinner dinner was saved. 

John turns to drink after a taxing session at the grill, or is that just lunch?

 Along the way we were visited by a grey whale and some playful dolphins.

Dolphins leading us onwards. 

The offering to Neptune seemed to do the trick as the good weather continued all the way through to Newport bringing to an end to the fist leg of the voyage. 

The end of another good day at sea.