A self-steering windvane is a mechanical device that steers the boat on a course with respect to the wind.  Our windvane is an older Fleming model so we named him Ian (James Bond)!  We haven’t engaged Ian lately, maybe we will try later today if the wind picks up.

When the tuna hit, I pulled in the handline, Risto netted it, and Mike clubbed it on the head a few times, then Risto finished it off and Scott retrieved the fishing gear.  Was difficult bringing it aboard with a short-handled net.  With all the clubbing just outside the cockpit in the gunwale, blood splattered on cockpit cushion, dodger, me, and Risto. We got the washdown pump going and cleaned it all up.  The cleaning tray came in handy for filleting the fish on a rocking boat.

Sailing update–After motoring all day yesterday, we raised the mizzen and genoa at around dark and used them most of the night sailing at 5 knots.  Just as my watch started at 4am the wind dipped to 5 knts so we are now motoring.  Yesterday the engine started revving down so I looked at the Racor filters and one was very clogged.  So I changed it and cleaned out the bowl. There was also about 3 oz of water in it.  I may have taken on bad fuel at Neah Bay, or the tank still had some junk in it even after they were cleaned before leaving Seattle.   Anyhow, I’m keeping an eye on the filter.

Current position is about 50 miles off of Newport, OR.  At least 2 other boats that are part of the Coho Ho Ho rally are pulling into Newport today.  We see lots of fishing boats out here and an occasional freighter.  We contacted one on VHF around 1am and they responded right away saying they saw us.  The closest we generally come to another boat is 5nm.

Cap’n Jim