Near Collision

3.27.11

So here we sit, typing these blogs as we sail along on this gorgeous day. Although the weather is perfect, it is perfect only for sitting on the beach, not for sailing. There is no wind today and it looks like we will have to motor the whole 45 miles to Cat Island. We are making good time, but a motor boat we are not. Usually we would wait for the weather to turn and the wind to pick up, but we find ourselves suddenly having the one thing that all sailors dread – a schedule!! We have to make it up to the Abacos so Brad can catch a flight for a wedding, so we are sailing on days we shouldn't and pushing through places we'd like to see at a faster rate than we would prefer.
But, the day is sunny and the fishing line is out and although we are motoring, at least we have clear skies!

Whoa! We just narrowly missed a collision with a trawler! Two trawlers were traveling together when they suddenly started turned erratically, one of them heading straight for us! The other trawler hailed us and let us know that the guy on the other boat was single-handing and had just hooked a fish. He was on the stern trying to reel the fish in and so the boat was going wherever the waves took it. We turned out of his way and scooted safely in between the two of them, watching the guy wrestle with the line as the fished splashed and flew out of the water repeatedly. What a show! We got an apology and an invitation over for dinner if we all happen to end up in the same place tonight. Ahh.....the life of a cruiser.