Far from plain sailing as Mayflower Crew make final push for Antigua
Excitement is building as The Mayflower Crew look set to finish their epic voyage later this week but the four friends from Plymouth got a stark reminder about how perilous the ocean can be after their boat was hit by a marlin.
“It was like being hit by a car - I’ll never forget that crunching sound!” said crew member Dan Wooler who was sat inches from where the 12 foot, 300lb marlin struck the Mayflower on Saturday afternoon.
“The water seemed to bubble and then was filled with the deep red blood of the marlin, presumably injured by the strike.”
Following the collision, it was all hands on deck and action stations as skipper Glynne, sleeping just a few feet from the strike, quickly emptied the cabin of all electronics, personal kit and bedding, as the footwell of the cabin began to take on water.
The first bung was hammered in to plug the hole left by the marlin’s spike - and went straight out into the sea. A second one, almost two inches across and the largest on board, did the trick. Glynne and Paul, then worked to apply water-resistant putty around the bung and all was good.
The kit was left on deck to dry and, after a job well done and a cup of tea and, the boys were back on the oars within the hour.
Next stop Antigua on Friday afternoon!
To find out more about the Mayflower Crew and how you can support their amazing fundraising feat to raise money for the Mustard Tree Centre click the link below:
