Winterhude – Flying Fish Weather

The barque Winterhude moves along easily at 23 degrees South latitude in the type of weather that was some compensation for the hard times met with in higher latitudes. In the tropics, a whole new world appeared – grey days and dark foam-streaked waves giving way to brilliant sun and deep blue seas. The term ‘flying fish weather’ resulted from the numbers of flying fish found skimming the waves in these waters, often flying on board to add variety to the very basic sailing ship fare.

Each day presented previously unseen marine animals to wind ship sailors, who, unlike those in powered vessels with thrumming engines and belching smokestack, had the opportunity to observe them in a leisurely manner.

A pod of whales, unconcerned by the sailer slipping quietly by, provides a diversion for the free watch gathered on the fo’c’sle head.

Marine animals, most commonly encountered, were the dolphins and porpoises that kept close company with the ship, skimming along in the bow wave, but always able to keep ahead. Although their meat resembled steak, many seamen were reluctant to kill them. Sharks however were caught and killed without remorse. Their jaws were carried home triumphantly, the backbone becoming a walking stick; the tail was nailed to the jib boom with the longer lobe uppermost as a token of good luck and fair winds. When a larger shark was caught its tail replaced the previous one.

The hot weather incubated thousands of bed bugs and cockroaches that seem to have resided in ships since man first put to sea.