My apologies for the lack of reports last week as the pace of buttoning up the boat and all the other last minute details sapped the time and motivation necessary to do the job right. We're back at it now however heading south on the second, much anticipated Revillagigedo tagging voyage with as perfect a load of sardines that one could imagine as a harbinger for what we hope will be another successful voyage.

Those who have been following along over the past five weeks know that this is the inaugural voyage for the new Cummins QSK19 main engines we spent the month of March installing and have been sea trialing over the past ten days. So far so good and I am pleased to report that Royal Star now boasts one of, if not the finest, machinery packages and installations in the entire San Diego sport fishing fleet. We put a ton of time, thought, and effort into the project and the finished product certainly reflects the many hours of combined labor we dedicated to making Royal Star safe, superior, and exactly how we have wanted it to be for many years leading up to this project. Time is the true test however, and as such, the upcoming days, weeks, months, and years will relate the real story. Knowing this, I can report that our confidence in Royal Star and the machinery that powers her is now as high as one can measure.

Before I close the book on the re-power project, I do want to mention a couple of unsung heroes to the San Diego Sport Fishing Fleet that were a big help to us in completing the installation to the satisfaction of ourselves, Cummins Marine, and the United States Coast Guard. Though we designed, performed, and completed ninety five percent of the work ourselves, we were extremely fortunate to have fleet mechanic Tom Dale as an invaluable resource whose calculations and assistance with the big mechanical portions of the project kept us on track and undoubtedly saved us considerable time and grief. I used the term unsung hero when describing Tom because of the countless voyages his effort and expertise has saved throughout the San Diego fleet during the past twenty five plus years. Believe me there have been many nights at the height of the one day season where Tom is directly responsible for boats leaving the dock by quickly assessing mechanical issues and making necessary repairs in short order to keep our vessels running. It is a fact that many anglers have Tom to thank for fishing voyages that began with dubious prospects but ultimately ended with lasting memories of glory and success. Also in need of mention are "The Ghost" fleet electrician and refrigeration expert Greg Hibbs who completed the electronic wizardry necessary to get these Tier two, computer controlled engines up and running according to specs. Much like Tom, Greg has countless saved voyages to his credit as his history with the San Diego fleet dates back at least thirty years. I know that we have relied on both Tom and Greg when we are up against mechanical issues that challenge our knowledge and they have been lifesavers to us on plenty of occasions. Our most sincere gratitude is offered as such and as I mentioned the same is in order for countless other anglers and operators alike. When you see these two masters around the dock don't hesitate to say thanks as more deserving individuals cannot be found. If you have regularly fished on San Diego sport boats over the past twenty or so years, it is a cinch that these guys have saved a trip for you.

Now it is back to fishing and reports will continue on a daily basis throughout the next couple of weeks as we get back into action. For now the weather is fine and we are enjoying a pleasant ride down tending to tasks large and small in preparation for the fishing to come.



Tim Ekstrom