Grand Banks of Newfoundland

A few days in to our transatlantic voyage, we have struck a steady High Pressure area that shadows our progress, hindering our progress under sail. However we persevere and yield to a few days on engine in order to move towards more favourable winds to continue our Easterly passage.

This hunt for winds takes us directly over the historically profitable fishing ground the Grand Banks, off the coast of Newfoundland. Over the last 400 years, great fleets of Banking Schooners from Gloucester and Boston shipped up to this massive plateau, each of these ports supporting up to 400 ships each. Even the infamous Portuguese White Fleet, larger 4 masted schooners crossed the Atlantic to get a piece of the action. Stories from seamen reported “waters so thick, the cod could be lifted straight on board in baskets”. This fishing frenzy lasted until the collapse of the industry due to overfishing in 1992. Due to restricted commercial regulations, the Atlantic Cod has recovered and recreational fishing is permitted.

Naturally we decide to have a crack. Having caught one Mahi Mahi just days before while still in the Atlantic depths of 4000m, our hopes were high. However these significant grounds have proved rather unfruitful for our passive trolling methods. Only the abundance of Shearwaters seem to have an interest in our lures. Though we have been spoiled with a series of Fin Whale sightings, the second largest animal on Earth! Whale blows in close proximity to the ship have kept spirits high, along with daily dolphin company, who are likely having more luck with the fish than us.