using the dinghy as a towboat powered by a jury-rigged sail, the group made its way towards the doldrums, hoping to find rain there so they could collect drinking water. they did so successfully, while catching turtles, dorado, and flying fish to eat. the inflatable raft became unusable after 16 days, so the six people crowded into the three-metre long dinghy with their supplies. they then continued to use the wind and current to their advantage, moving to the northeast towards central america.