We finally got the break always hoped for on these passages north with the ocean transforming from angry and disagreeable to warm, pleasant, and serene by noon. It made for a productive day of travel as we were holed up and pinned down by conditions the previous two days. When the weather broke the boys emerged and got down to business tidying up and tending to their responsibilities consistent with our arrival and annual shutdown tomorrow.

Although we are always glad to stop the train and spend a month on terra firma, I have to admit that I would still rather be fishing. It is a necessary evil however and this year we have plenty on the docket to maintain Royal Star's mechanical and cosmetic condition to the first class standard that all of our anglers expect. Of course as all offshore, heavy duty vessels are concerned the maintenance demands are perpetual. There really never is an end to what can and/or needs to be done. As such, every year when the maintenance period arrives we prioritize and address what projects are to be completed in the order of necessity beginning with mechanical and ending with cosmetic.

Foremost we place the mechanical systems and safe, reliable operation of Royal Star above all. The prettiest paint job in the world on a boat broken down and drifting, or returning from a voyage on a boat with a hold full of rotten fish doesn't do anyone any good. Of course the perfect scenario is for everything to perfect, that is the standard we always strive to achieve. When it comes to maintaining these vessels however that "perfect" classification is somewhat like the proverbial dangling carrot tied off close enough to smell and taste, but just beyond reach. There is always one more thing, large or small, that remains to be done - always.This notion applies of course only if one suffers the curse of being a perfectionist. It's a tough way to go through life.

Enough of that as we still have photos to share and fish stories to tell. Today features another accomplished angler from Thailand who showed us how to get it done with the Shimano "Stella's" as well as any other type of equipment he used. Nattak Thewphaingram or "Ek" is a fishing fanatic who was immediately enamored with the Revillagigedo islands and the idea of the tagging project. As such, Ek pitched into the catching with a vengeance spending every possible moment at the rail pulling on yellowfin tuna and wahoo. Also long time Royal Star angler and tagging enthusiast Dr. Stuart Exall is pictured in action always making a splendid time of it.

With more photos to share I will continue posting from the home front over the next few days ahead of the Fred Hall Long Beach show. In addition to fishing photos, this year I will also post shots featuring some of our maintenance projects as our anglers expressed considerable interest in the idea last season. Enjoy your day and look for more to come.

Tim

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