Paul and Claire

A simple passage?

Cruising

So this was supposed to be a short 1,200nm run in the prevailing southwesterlies straight to Brest. Started that way making 8-9kn but then 36 hours later and puff the wind had blown itself out. Then the exhaust hose starts to rule out motoring as a pinhole leak deteriorates. So today was spent tapping away at the 328nm distance to La Coruna at 2.8 to 3.5kn in a 7-9kn wind. That was when the going was good. Then nightfall came and the wind dropped again to about 4kn. We had to take down all sail and the choice was to

Paul and Claire

Ocean seems huge now

Cruising

This was only supposed to be a small stretch with just 1,200nm to do at most even if we headed to Falmouth. But now, after motoring at 5kn for almost two days and seeing the curved horizon all round us for 36 hours the ocean seems endless. The engine hammers on and we would all like to have the wind put it out of it’s misery. But the dead zone is getting quieter still as the wind sits on our tail peaking at 3.5kn. Coastal cruising is one thing but the endless pounding of the rig and gear in the

Paul and Claire

Azores to where?

Cruising

Started motoring this morning and now the grib files show a 600 mile wide corridor with no significant wind for the next six days…and we are firmly in the middle of the windless band all the way to Brest. Do we want to motor 900 miles? A check in the engine room suggests that the flexible hose from the engine exhaust to the silencer box has developed a pin hole leak so best to avoid motoring altogether. The hose has become brittle with age. A long review of the weather patterns are followed by the decision to divert to northern

Paul and Claire

Boom BangBang

ARC

Day 1 Azores to Brest (or somewhere nearby) and with the marina re-stocked with diesel we took on just over 600 litres before heading out. Each island has proved difficult to leave behind and Terceira was no different. Not the best island for restaurants (we walked out of two, Marcelinos Steakhouse and The Patio!) but the museums and cathedrals were terrific. It was very tempting to swing south to Sao Miguel but a weather window is a weather window! We couldn’t believe our hull’s performance through the water as we glided along the south of the island. Upon leaving St

Paul and Claire

Shortest Ocean Voyage, Ever?

Cruising

We set our departure date for Wednesday, yesterday, but it was far too beautiful to go. So we moved it forward 24 hours. We set off for northern Spain this morning. We let go the lines and travelled down the marina fairway along the wall to Reception and the Fuel Pontoon. Just fill up with about 600 litres and then book out and we are away by 11am on our 950nm passage. Fuel Pontoon. Diesel? Yep. Passes me the hose and the nozzle is in the tank. Pull the lever and the oil fuel rushes into the tank. Lock the

Paul and Claire

Sao Jorge Park

Cruising

Are these not the most beautiful woods you have ever seen? It’s a small park, just a couple of acres or so, in the west of Sao Jorge. The island roads and hedgerows are all lined with purple hydrangeas interlaced with some bright red flowers. You really cannot believe the beauty of this island as your eyes feast on miles and miles of flowers all of which are tended continuously on the roadside.

Paul and Claire

That’s Bull!

Cruising

It certainly is and Terceira is full of it. Even the childrens shops are full of toys with bull fighting in mind. They say a bull fight, normally a street run, takes place every day somewhere on the island. People definitely get charged down and we have seen videos in shop windows which make you wonder how even spectators walked away from their collisions with the charging heavy weights. In Angra da Heroismo there is a dedicated stadium for the bull fighting with matadores flown in from Spain.  

Paul and Claire

Preparing for an Azorean departure

Cruising

The weather has been overcast, grey and cold so it felt like it was time to get the next weather window and leave. That weather window is here so we provisioned the boat. Now, the day before departure, the sun is shining and all is perfect so nobody wants to go. It’s a battle of self-discipline to tear oneself away from each island let alone the whole archipelago. On the eve of our departure we are not so sure we want to go. One more day….?    

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