Daily Logs

Endo 2 - Angekommen

Hallo - es ist kaum zu glauben - aber ...wir sind in der Karibik und gut angekommen. St. Lucia hat uns mitten in der Nacht herzlich willkommen geheißen mit einem eisgekühltem Drink, einem leckeren Bier und einem kleinen Obstkorb voller Leckereien. Ja, mitten in der Nacht - wir sind um 1:46 Uhr Ortszeit eingelaufen (deutsche Zeit 6:46 Uhr) nach 28000 sm mit Wind und Flaute und wurden am Steg ebenfalls von Bärbel und Holly (Crew der NOW) begrüsst. Nun erholen wir uns erst einmal und kämpfen noch mit der Zeitumstellung, denn an Bord galt UTC Zeit, die Ortszeit ist UTC -4 Stunden. Morgen startet jeden falls erst einmal eine Big-Party (die erste an der wir teilnehmen) und bis dahin wollen wir alle wieder fit sein. Übrigens das Essen schmeckt recht lecker und. read more...

Red Skies - Day 25 Sines and Lagos

Sines - it was lovelyThe sea - they got calmerWe were welcomed at the fortHome of Vasco de Gama We all got togetherFor a pontoon 'do'But we didn't stay lateNext leg leaves at o - six thirty-two From Sines to LargosOur Final trip - no swellyCape Vincent was calmDipped the ensign to Lord Nelly Rounding the cape into LagosWas the sting in the tailWe tacked to the finish In a dot - dot near gale We berthed in the MarinaGod - what a palavaA downwind berth20 knots - in a harbour? A trip to the cavesUnder arches and bridgesWe saw faces in rocksAnd an elephant in ridges A beach BBQWith a singer of qualityWe ate and we drankAnd danced with such jollity Thanks to Marina de LargosFor the splendid eventA wonderful partyWe're so glad we went Tonight is the finalPrize-giving and dinnerWe know it'll be. read more...

Renegade - 41:05.97N 08:48.86W En-route Figueira da Foz

Finally Sailing! ..after an early start and initial  motoring we are now rolling along in the large swells on a dead run 'goose winging' our way South to Figueira da Foz, some 77 nautical miles.  The sun is out factor 50 applied and shorts on!!...all of us a little slow today after a great party in the Yacht club last night!!.....never mind we have tonight Saturday & Sunday in Port before we move off again...a chance to re-cuperate? The weather looks reasonable now with the reinstatement of those prevailing Northerly's normally associated with this coast, so fingers crossed. More later, Skip. read more...

Watergaw - DAY 22-Sunday 11/12/12 - The End of the Beginning!

Apologies for not completing an entry on Sunday, which is unforgiveable. We have no excuse, except over-excitement or mind-numbness, perhaps. We had a mixed 36 hour's sailing, with Saturday night being light to the point that Bob (Alan) had no steerage way on his watch. It got better, but was still a painfully slow night and we made little headway. We were wary about using up the last of our diesel motoring, and thus had to live with it as the old seamen were forced to (but with the advantage of a fridge and freezer). When daylight broke, the wind picked up to about 8-12 knots, and we nursed the Parasailor to give us a bit of boat speed, which increased a bit as the day wore on. It ripened even more later, and we began to feel optimistic about bridging the last 100 miles. read more...

Renegade - Terrys log - 21st June

While we have been partaking of the cleaning, shopping, cooking, religous duties and working up a great deal of perspiration, secret information has been passed to us of a select band of young ladies taking boat trips with swarthy young portugese boatmen into dark caverns of iniquity, wining and dining to the early hours attended by attractive "gigalo" waiters. These are of course our wives - Carol, Sue, Gail soon to be joined by Penny waiting in Lagos for our arrival and the chance to moan at us again - How we miss them !!. read more...

Paraty - TAG +3 (our last blog) / on the way to the tobago keys....

Rodney Bay arrival time was 08.12.2011, 06:37:14, less than 18 days, since Las Palmas. Our transatlantic crossing is history. We were all totally happy, enjoyed the first rum punches, first showers and some phone calls, of course.   The following two days in Rodney Bay were really nice, especially sharing sailing experiences with other ARC participants.   There are still some boats on the way to St. Lucia, but we are already heading forward to the south, Paraty is still willing to explore the carribean islands and so are we. The water temperature is nearly 30°C, weather is fine and there are some special places and restaurants waiting for us. Today, Marigot Bay, the setting of the film Dr. Doolittle, at the moment we are passing by St. Vincent, where there is the beach from. read more...

Renegade - 38:40.56N 09:19.07W Oeiras and Sun

Finally we have found the sun!! after a dreadful night rafted in Peniche (town is nice!!) suffering from swells, massive wash and unwelcome French pirate 'rafters' with poor fenders and 0400 fishing boats running at max speed out of the harbour!!....we were glad to leave...Superb sail along the coast having led the fleet out of harbour (no start line, just log timed sailing through harbour P&S breakwater marks.  Started with good wind which only dropped for an hour or so, consequently sailed all the way!!..  Coming round the final headland and into the river estuary we recorded 37 knots of wind true!!...with full sail up we carereed directly down wind planing  at 9 knots and yours trul'y heart in the mouth after what seemed like 3 'lifetimes' the wind dropped to a sedate 25knots and. read more...

Renegade - 39:35.13N 09:04.32W

Last night was the pontoon party to celebrate Alison's 60th birthday. Everyone was there from the rally to wish her well (the were safety concerns as there were to many people on the one section of the pontoon that it actually started sinking. Disaster was avoided by getting Terry to stand on the next pontoon!!!.    We were then invited onto Andiamo with the Essex Geezers for dinner - Frey Bentos pie, real mash and various veg. We believe that they planned to ply us with alcohol in an attempt to scotch our chances in today's race. However we were ready for this dastardly trick and were careful to stay soberish. It was a great evening and they really made us very welcome on their palatial vessel. Today was a great race with most boats finishing within 30mins of each other with no engine. read more...

Angerona - Finnishing line - by the Captain

We finnished the ARC at 11 39 30 lokal time, 15 39 30 UIT. Everyone was satisfied, and happy.  The last hours went very slow. The wind was 5 to 10 knots from 090 degrees, so the vessels speed was varying between 1,8 and 5 kn from  09 30 UIT.  It was nice to se other saylyachts coming from the horizont with all the sails as we vent on to the finishing line.   ARC met us in the marina with music, drinks and fruit, so there were a little selebration.  We continued the selebration a little in the evening, but went relative early to bed well satisfied.   Again thank you to all that helped us to do this, an a special thanks to Haakon Rekstad and Elbe fishingequipment.  They served us with all we needed for fishing our own fish during the voyage.  We got. read more...

Renegade - 39:24.66N 09:30.50W

1 6   Left Nazare after a leisurely breakfast of egg andbacon created by Chef John.   Made for Puffin Island - which is where we havestopped on a buoy for lunch. Terry and I had a bet over seeing a Puffin - asusual Terry won and Im a shot down having spied not a singlePuffin.   Lunch was prepared by Terry - but eventually we did eat. Pictures attached include the fortat Puffin Island, lunch and the likely lads.   Bob the boy         HPIM2146 [Desktop Resolution] HPIM2145 [Desktop Resolution] HPIM2142 [Desktop Resolution]. read more...

Renegade - 40:08.84N 08:51.59W

Excellent days sailing in brilliant sunshine and fantastic winds topping F6 at times. We spent most of the day chasing Ben More - but they pipped us to the post by no more than a minute. We think we finished about 8th across the line but await the figures adjusted for engine and handicap (we were  only on engine for 2hrs at the beginning of the day). Some excellent downwind sailing saw us average 6.8 knots throughout the day (79miles) We had 10.3 knots  on the final approach - to say the skipper was concentrating would be a massive understatement. I suspect we will have a quite night tonight as we are all fairly tired from the day Editors footnote: - I need higher factor suntan lotion and so does Tony!  The other two are going i nice bronzon colour -but arnt being smug about it.. read more...

Eleanda - Day 16

Monday 5th December 2011   The Skipper – As we approach St Lucia   Late yesterday afternoon, with squalls all round us but none in our path, the wind died. For more than 30 minutes our speed dropped to under 5 knots in a wind from astern of less than 8 knots. The forecast showed that no improvement was likely in the next 24 hours. With only 270 miles to St Lucia, at 18h45 we started the engine. Now we were on penalty time but travelling at close to 10 knots and so through the night and into Monday. Around 11h00 this morning the wind picked up, now from the south east. We stopped the engine, as with this wind direction we can reach with the wind on the beam, managing 6 - 8 knots as the wind fluctuated 8 – 12 knots. How long it will last we don’t know and still. read more...

Renegade - Lisbon - 19th June

Today Tony, John and myself (BB) took the train into Lisbon for a brief look round. Terry opted out prefering to rest up in preperation for the next strenuous leg of the rally. First point to note is that public transport in Portugal is very good and very cheap. Lisbon is a beautiful city and is well worth a visit. Its also hilly - We walked up one such hill to gain a view of the old city (see picture) and then took atram ride down (see other picture).  We then wandered through the central town area before heading back for the train. Once back at the boat i headed off to the luxury swimming pool that we have access to as Marina guests. One last note was that the rally dinner last night was the best yet (sea bass). And we came a respectable 4th - which isnt bad.      HPIM2212 [Desktop. read more...

Renegade - 39:21.13N 09:22.61W

After a short butvery pleasant afternoon sail (the sun came out) we rafted alongside two others in Peniche (space is very short and we have to raft to fit 15 yachts in. Tonight we plan to eat ashore after the Rally reception at the local yacht. PS - just wanted to mention where we eat last night www.restauranteonavegante.com - where we had an excellent meal and were really looked after by our Portugal host who was an ex waiter on Fred Olsen lines and showed us some of his pictures of serving various famous people over the years.    Picture attached of us coming into port tonight and of the rafting here  HPIM2161 [Desktop Resolution] HPIM2159 [Desktop Resolution]. read more...

Spindrift of Jersey - Fw: Spindrift ARC Log - Arrival

We arrived safely in St Lucia and crossed the ARC finish line at 0900 on Sunday 11th December 2011. The engine continued to run OK for the last 24 hours and we docked in the marina at Rodney Bay. Lynn Oliver and Wendy were waving from the dock as we arrived and the St Lucia tourist board reps gave us rum punch and a basket of fruit ...and a bottle of local rum. Lynn brought a bottle of champagne for the normal photo opportunity of shaking the bottle and pouring it over each other. After doing the normal customs and immigration formalities we all went off to the villa that we have rented which is absolutely fantastic - right on the water and with a big swimming pool - where we swam and drank rum punch, rum, some beer and,of course, more rum. read more...

Renegade - Figueria de Foz 13th-14th June 2009

We have had  a enjoyable couple of days here at Fig de Foz. Saturday Terry went on the organised trip which included a medieval fair which was brilliant. The rest of us stayedonboard and did a few jobs around the boat and genally took it easy. Last night was the Rall dinner at the Casino Figueria - and guess what we came 3rd in the race down on Friday which means we have come 2nd and 3rd on the two rally races. At this rate Tony will need a trophy cabinet. We had a really nice dinner followed by a musical show which was excellent. Terry gave me a quick guided tour of the Casino (first time ive been to one). Today was a jobs day and we have giventhe boat a really good clean. Tonight we are all having a Pontoon Party to celebrate Alison (from Red Skies) 60th birthday. Tomorrow is a 09:00. read more...

Renegade - 37:57.04N 08:51.98W

Sines - June 20th/21st================ The next leg was 50m down to Sines - this was a frustrating leg for us as we suffered with foul tides, light winds and strong gusts (one which almost broached us - but for the cat light reactions of our skipper). All that said we also had some very good sailing and Terry and I had a lot of fun on the foredeck playing with the cruising chute. We crossed the finishing line at 19:28 and at todays results presentation found out that we came 5th overall (which with all the issues on the day was a good result). So to date we have a 2nd, 2nd, 5th, 4th, 5th (15 yachts in the rally). Tomorrow we have a 06:30 start for the final leg to Lagos where your intrepid reporter will return home - to be replaced by the far more competant (she can write poems!) and. read more...

Porto Santo - 11/12

Fizemos 141nm nas ultimas 24h,o máximo desde o inicio da viagem,e estamos a menos de 900 do destino.Se conseguirmos manter esta média  ainda temos quase 7 dias de viagem pela frente.Chegamos á zona dos squalls( nuvens que trazem mais vento e chuva forte,e passam rapidamente).Veem-se muito bem no radar,Mas têm passado ao lado.De resto não há novidades.. read more...

Renegade - 37:06.66N 08:40.5W Finally Lagos

After a very windy night in Sines with the wave slap keeping the stern cabin occupants awake we were off to an early start for Lagos (80nm).  Crossing the start line at 06:34 the wind died before 7 and we had the usual frustrating lumpy motoring for 4 hours in the gloomy overcast skies!! finally with the sun starting to break through the wind picked up and with chute up (by our now expert foredeck crew) we were off. Hand steering was the order of the day with quartering seas and the same NNW wind, gusting between 10 & 19 knots!!...  As we approached Cape St Vincent in glorius weather and the wind strengthening we took the chute down to find the halyard nearly chaffed through!!.....there but for the grace of god!!   with headsail and full main we jibed round the point dipping our. read more...

Renegade - 37:00.51N 09:00.92W

Position update as we rounded Cape St Vincent - dipping the Ensign in memory of Nelson  HPIM2265 [Desktop Resolution]. read more...

Emilija - Landlife in St Lucia

Having arrived in St Lucia in the early hours of thursday morning with some of the bars still open we escaped from the Betty Ford clinic only to crash at the first bend about two hours later,mind you we were going fairly hard at it. The rest of the day was spent getting our land legs back(excuse).One taxidriver when asked about drink driving said "no problem you can drink 15 gallons if you like". The facilities in the marina and the arc and marina staff are exellent with a lovely atmosphere in the bars and resturants. We were boat number 89 to cross the line which we are delighted with considering about 25 were in the racing division mind you when the handicaps and the motoring penalties are applied things will probably change. Still more boats coming in every day and some damage. read more...

Renegade - BBQ on the beach - Bobs final blog

Well here I am at the end of my month and this is my final blog (sob sob). Ive had a brilliant time and could not have asked for a better bunch of shipmates - Tony, Terry and John - are all stars and my view is that we came together and bonded into a great team. I have some fantastic memories (and 400 pics !!) to take home - so thanks to you all. Gail - my replacement as ships doctor, blog reporter and IT expert will do a brilliant job in keeping the boys under control and Im looking forward  to her updates. Now to the BBQ on the beach last night - another superb event (like all the events and organisation provided by the World Cruising Club). Attached are a couple of shots of Carol and Sue "showing them how its done". Adios and Andiamo - Bob the boy PS - Thanks to Terry for treating me. read more...

La Palapa - harder than it looks! 11 dec, 50nm to st lucia

since we got our fish yesterday we where basically complete with our underway checklist and we had a perfect final day at sea.we had been running on empty on fuel all night so first thing in the morning once the sun was up i got to work getting everything out of the lazeretee so i could get our 6 5 gal jerry jugs out.while i worked on this aimee got up and started on breakfast.we had breakfast quesadillas as we where out of eggs but still had some homemade salsa to go with them.after breakfast i got the remainder of the stuff from the lazzeret reorganized and re-stowed.by then it was time to get the fish prepped for the lunch fish taco event.i got the fish breaded and condiments set up and turned the kitchen back over to aimee for her ceviche preparation.the fish tacos where amazing i. read more...

Renegade - The Boy's farewell! & cruising on

So the crew has changed!.....Bob has arrived home as have Carol and Sue; motley crew of desperados have returned to Renegade and under the 'steely eye' of Gail who is setting new standards of tidyness and organistion.... With poetic license from Gail we have the following contributions: Ode to Rally Portugal - The Rally is over and the guys are delighted,to make it here safely, no matter how hard they party'd!They cooked and they cleaned, well I am so amazed,how they lived so close together for 25 days.Tony & John with nice clean chins,Terry and Bob like they rifled the bins!!The wives have arrived, with hope not a fright!to join in the Party on the Final night. Crew Change -The Rally over and Bob departed,we expect he feels so broken hearted!For back to work he must goas his boss. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 2

Andrew and John are still fine and are celebrating the end of the rain. Weather has been wet and misty, but has now begun to clear. We put the first 100 miles behind us at 07:00 UTC this morning; only another 430 to go! We have passed outside the Ushant traffic separation zone 40 miles to the west of the island and 50 miles offshore.At noon UTC we are 48' 35.8"N 06' 10.7WKind regardsAndrew and John. read more...

GUNVØR XL - Log Dec 11th - The Nostalgia of Arrival

The Nostalgia of Arrival It has been one week since our arrival here in St Lucia and only now are we relaxed and into the Caribbean spirit. But we also have a sense of bittersweet nostalgia as our crew has sadly departed. We have witnessed some indifferent or even tense departures of crews from other ARC boats after an obviously unhappy crossing, but on Gunvør, we were all a bit choked up yesterday when the taxi arrived to carry off our Danish crew to the airport. The crossing was tough, we really pushed the boat, hand-steering and ripping our 5 coloured sails several times each – but we were united in our ambition and had so many fantastic and funny moments – the Danes’ healthy sense of the ridiculous and their love of celebrating any sort of milestone. read more...

Adelante - ARC over and out

Liebe Freunde Am frühen Donnerstag morgen, 0323 local time, überquerten wir die quer durch die Rodney Bay liegende Ziellinie. Damit waren wir 17 Tage und 18 Stunden unterwegs gewesen und hatten 2890,2 nautische Meilen zurückgelegt.Giovanni hatte am Vorabend als erster "Land in Sicht !" gemeldet. Es waren die Lichter von Martinique, das knapp nördlich von St.Lucia liegt. Für die Zieldurchfahrt liessen wir zur Dekoration das Grosstuch stehen, aber es war schon die längste Zeit stinkflau gewesen, und wir waren froh, mehr als genug Diesel in separaten Bidons gebunkert zu haben und dem Motor beim gemütlicheln Brummeln zuhören zu können. So 100 Meilen vor dem Ziel waren in der Nacht am Horizont endlich wieder andere Yachten sichtbar geworden. Vorher. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 1

Andrew and John are both well and are getting Stealaway settled downWind is light and boat is heavy = progress is modest.More to followRegards Andrew and John. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 3 Dolphins Sighted !!

Well we have had some major achievements. We have covered more than 240 miles of the 530 miles and have passed the half way mark in distance from Plymouth to the traffic separation lanes off Cap Finisterre.We are at last sailing and have the boat steering a course to the wind using the Hydrovane self steering gear. It took a little experimentation! The wind is still a gentle 10 knots from the west. The forecast is for the wind to go to the northwest and the north.  That wind direction would be excellent.At 10:30 this morning the Oriana passenger liner passed in the opposite direction some 8 miles away. We did not see her as visibility is only some 2 miles! There are lots of ships going between Ushant and Finistere. At times we have 16 ships within a 15 mile radius.We saw dolphins. read more...

Nyda - Day 22: We can smell the rum....

WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO! LESS THAN 50 MILES TO GO!!!!!!!! The more perceptive of you may have realised we are quite excited as we are nearly there at last! I have to admit that the last 2 days have dragged a bit as the lack of wind has been a big limit on our speed. We've been motoring a lot of the time but still have been getting the sails up whenever possible. We do at least now think we have enough diesel to see us through so we won't be requiring a tug when we get to Rodney Bay. Yesterday was in fact so quiet that even I couldn't think of anything to say and those of you that know me will realise quite how unusual that is. Today however did bring some excitement early on when Graham made one last ditch attempt to catch a tuna: he didn't quite get that but rather the biggest Mahi mahi we. read more...

Jacana of Ardmay - 10/11/12

Hi Everyone,   We have arrived OMG it is so good to be on land. We first sighted land at 16.30 pm with 41 miles to go what an experience, we arrived in St Lucia and crossed the finish line at 11.30 pm. Young Andrew, went a stern and docked the boat what a star, between two ARC boats too no worries. A welcome rum punch, beer with a fruit basket and Champagne we now feel that it is a dream !!! It is 3 am and I am feeling a wee bit weary so sorry the blog reflects that!! Tomorrow we are sorting out the ropes, cleaning the boat inside and out and party party from there on!!!!   Thanks for all your support and have a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2012!!!   Love you all!!!   Team Jacana xxxx  . read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 4

We finally got the forecasted wind shift to the NE just after midnight and got some free sailing. Very busy with shipping in the early hours with 5 vessels at one time to both port and starboard in close proximity, i.e. less than 0.5 miles. The night was cloudy but not foggy.We currently have F5 or in excess of 20 knots of wind. Boat is romping along at in excess of 7 knots.The sun is out although it is still cloudy. The sea state is picking up. We about 100 miles north of Finisterre having covered some 350 miles with 175 miles to finish.We are managing to get weather information and forecasts.The dolphins just came just came back to play.John and Andrew are well if unshaven!Kind Regards From Andrew and John aboard Stealaway. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 5

Hi all from Andrew and Richard on board StealawayBoat is steady at the moment so you may get extra wordsWe have had an eventful 24 hours.  But first I forgot to mention in the last log that we did get the cruising chute out and sailed for 5 hours with it.With the NE wind yesterday we started to get some sailing in. The wind was forecast force 4 to 5 occassional 6.In the afternoon we had the force 5 and by evening force 6. The boat was doing in excess of 8 knots. For the night watch we put the first reef in the mainsail. When the wind speed went over 30 knots and the log recorded a boat speed of 10.8 knots we started to roll in the genoa. The wind then dropped to virtually nothing.The dolphins were around the boat several times yesterday. I could not get a photo but did get a short. read more...

Aniara II - Dec. 11

December 11, 15.00 St.Lucia- & Aniaratime We thank all of you who have folloved our crossing on the ARC-web-page. This is our final contribution to tyhe ARC-site, but if you are curious of our future adventures, visit our own web-page, www.aniara.n.nu I can promise you all some spectacular happenings in the near future. See you there, The Web-editor. read more...

Fri Flyt - 8. desember: Snart framme - eller er det snart over?

Det er bare noen timer igjen til St.Lucia. Jeg sitter på min siste nattevakt og justerer autopiloten med skiftende vind, men nå blåser det i alle fall såpass at vi seiler i 5-6 knop. Det har det ikke gjort på noen dager. Til dels oljeglatt vann i regndis eller måneskinn, og bading i lunket vann på 3000m dyp er også en utrolig Atlanterhavsopplevelse, men det er nå vind seilere helst vil ha. Likevel har vi nydt sommerferiefølelsen og godt selskap, og tatt motoren til hjelp inni mellom. At 6 mennesker har klart seg på under 30 m2 - inkl skapplass, uten rømningsmuligheter i 17 døgn og fortsatt har det utmerket sammen er ikke så verst. Ikke at vi egentlig er så overrasket - vi valgte jo mannskap med. read more...

Blue Chip of Cowes - Blue Chip's passage across Biscay

Day 1. Sunday 30th May. Our plan for the whole passage, but particularly for the start was to avoid breaking anything and avoid any collisions. Three of the crew had never sailed together and never sailed on Blue Chip until this morning. We made a safe but unspectacular start in the middle of the fleet and then headed to the windward side of the boats in front of us, trying to get clear air, which worked well. We had enough breeze to keep the boat going but not enough for her to stretch her legs and open up a lead on our fellow rallyers (It’s not a race!).  The skipper discovered from new crew that bananas were supposed to bring bad luck on a yacht so after our lunch of soup and sandwiches we were forced to eat loads of them that had been baked in the oven with butter and. read more...

Fri Flyt - 11. Desember: Karibiske dager

Det tok litt tid å finne fokus til å få skrevet noe igjen...Etter å ha sett land i ca. 6 timer - delvis fra nederste salingshorn imasta, passerte vi mållinjen i fin stil torsdag 8. desember kl. 20.14 UTCetter 18 døgn, 7 timer og 14 minutter til sjøs. Vinden blåste en sjeldengang her på disse trakter slik at det IKKE var motvind over mållinjen, og vikom dermed i mål med vår hvite og blå genaker og storseil oppe. Fotofirmaetsom har sitt årlige høydepunkt i disse dager hadde fotograf på plass, og hanhevdet å ikke ha sett noen passere mål med genaker de siste 12 årene. "- Youmade my day!",gaulet han over, mens ARC-båten gratulerte oss med "Aspectacular finish" på. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 6

Sorry to be late with the news. We have been busy resting after finishing at 18:36 yesterday.After mooring Stealaway we met up with our Belgium friends, Bob and Linsey on Nova Star for drinks. Then all four of us to dinner at the yacht club that was excellent.All are now gathered in and we are joined by another yacht. The day was hot and very pleasant followed by a sangria reception at the club and dinner in town which is just outside the gates of the club. The setting is really very nice with a beach alongside a fort with a square in front.This morning out came the rectangular frying pan for the fried brunch as it was 10:30 before we even got up. Today has gone in a blur of tidying up and meeting and swapping stories. Hard to believe that we have made it here.Tomorrow we are off to. read more...

Fri Flyt - Atlanteren - Skrevet av Henrik 12 år

Endelig har vi fått vår første storfisk ombord, en whaoo på èn meter og fire kg, to dager før vi kommer i land i Rodney Bay, på St. Lucia og De Caribiske øyer. Turen over hit har vært helt topp! Noe av det morsomeste var at vi lagde en gjettekonkuranse om hvordan turen ble over. Spørsmålene var f.eks: Hvor mange: -fisk-mistede roker-hvalobservasjoner-delfinbesøk osv. Vinneren får kun applaus, men taperen må spandere is på alle de andre. 4 ganger har vi sett hval; Det var ca. 6 spekkhoggere, en ukjent hval, ca 20 long fined pailot whale, men det tøffeste var da en ukjent hval på ca 8 meter lekte seg ved baugen til båten som en delfin i over 2 timer. I alt har vi tapt. read more...

Dignity - Log day 4 - rounding Cape Finnisterre at dawn

After a rough 24 hours on a southerly heading to round the NWAtlantic 'shoulder' of Spain DIGNITY awakes to a gorgeous dawn and calm seas. Another few and we'll be able to celebrate our arrival In Bayonna with the champagne that is already in the chiller! Paul, Jackie, Neil and Susie .............the DIGNITY crew!. read more...

Fri Flyt - ATLANTERHAVET - skrevet av Gerhard 10 år

Nå har vi vert ute i 17 døgn uten å se land, og jeg har fortsatt ikke spydd på hele turen. Nå er vi snart framme, og har bare 133 nm (24 mil)/19 timer igjen. Det har noen ganger vert gørrkjedelig, men jeg greier meg lenge med noen Donald pocketter og en i pad. Det er helt sinnsykt livlig uti her, for vi har sett en spekkhogger som plutselig stakk hodet over vannflaten, og en hval som fulgte etter oss i minst 4 timer og turnet runt båten. Vi trodde nesten at han trodde vi hva morra has. Og på morgenkvisten en gang så vi 20 småhval som heter long-finned pilotwhale. Også har vi selvfølgelig hatt noen par delfinbesøk foran baugen. Og vi har mistet 3 fisker, pluss en en gullmakrell på 1 meter som vi hadde. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 7

It is really day 8 here and I am late but we are in Spain, yes Spain on Rally Portugal! It really will be Portugal soon.Any way it was up bright and early yesterday with only time for cereal for breakfast before it was on the coach and off to Santiago. Unlike many others who walked hundred of kilometers to pilgrimage to the holy place we dozed on the 1.5 hour trip.Well the town has a medieval feel and we got the history from the guide. St James came from Palestine and spent 40 years getting the place going. He popped back hope to Haifa and somebody separated his head from his body. Clearly he had seriously upset a few people. So back he went with his two comrades in a stone boat. Not sure which one carried the body and which the head. Perhaps the drew straws. So lots more over the years. read more...

Aztec Dream - Log day 1 to 6 - Biscay Crossing

 An Ode to the Rally – Two miserable gits, a comedian and a nutter (aka “Team Portugal”) To Mayflower we went at the end of MayTo commence our crossing of the Bay of Biscay.Mervyn, Amanda and the Rosses times two,The autopilot played its part too.The start dawned fine with wind aplenty,Plymouth Sound and Eddystone Light were soon out of sight, the watch commencedAnd we sailed day and night.......  Many a story there is to be toldAs our journey began to unfold.The success of the water generator and AIS,Sometimes more wind than less and from where, one can only guess! The fishing boats that freaked “Mazda” out,Their use of radar sometimes in doubt!Watching the dolphins antics while dinner we ate,Photos of sunrise and sunset fit for the. read more...

Fri Flyt - 6. Desember: Sjømannskost

Hva lever man av når man skal være 2-3 uker til sjøs, og skal holde 6 til dels sultne folk i kosten? Når man i tillegg må regne med at kjøleskapet har høyst begrenset evne til å holde 4 grader og bare gulper etter frisk luft, og fisken heller ikke biter (eller lar seg hale ombord...) måtte man legge planer som om man hadde verken det ene eller det andre. Boksmaten fra Norge var etterhvert blitt mindre til å stole på - delvis pga rustanløp og medfølgende skroting når de sprakk, og delvis fordi jo varmere det blir, desto mer er boksmat akkurat hva det var ment å være for vår del: Nødproviant for ENKEL tilberedning når forholdene krever rask mat.Vi hadde bl.a med oss. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 8

Last night was drinks aboard Nova Star with Bob & Lincy, the skipper and crew of Aztec Dream followed by prizing giving at the yacht club.We won a prize, not for the position in the sailing but for the blog.John was really pleased with his ashtray and I was given a tart from Santiago.We haven't tried either yet!After the wine and tapas at the prizing giving it was back into town for some food and further fortification. Ross & Ross were on good form having been practicing heavily since our arrival. The more careful gave the Irish bar a miss.Slow day this am with boat cleaning followed by a pm circumnavigation of the castle ramparts and a look at the Pinto that sailed from America. Best if you to Google it as you will no doubt get the whole story.Weather has changed with the wind. read more...

Fri Flyt - 4. Desember: Hval på seilbåtsafari

Det var konklusjonen på hvalens oppførsel etter 3t - den må simpelthen ha forelsket seg i Fri Flyt og opplevd oss som en spennende variasjon i havlivet! Klokka 10 så vi den for første gang gli opp på styrbord side av båten, bare 10 meter unna, midt i kapteinens takketale til mannskapet fordi vi hadde klatret ytterligere 6 plasser på resultatlisten siden dagen før. Den var ca 8 meter lang og slank, grå på oversiden, hvit på undersiden og på styrefinnene og med en relativt liten finne på ryggen. Har ikke en god hvalbok ombord, og er ikke sikre på hvilken art det kan være. Først trodde vi det var en stor hai, for den svømte hele tiden under overflaten, og vi så den ikke. read more...

Fri Flyt - 2. Desember: Tallenes tale

Det er 5000nm fra Averøya til et punkt i Atlanterhavet vi passerte i går i 20-tida - riktignok med en del krinkelkroker underveis. Det er ganske langt, synes vi, rundt regnet 9260 km. Det var Gerhard som fikk æren av å stå til rors da det magiske tallet kom opp. Og nå er det under 1000 nm igjen til St. Lucia av over 2800 da vi begynte. Det har blåst "hatter og høy" de siste 2 døgnene, men med vinden i ryggen og seil som skapt for forholdene har vi hatt det helt upåklagelig ombord. Noe mer krevende å operere i byssa enn vanlig, men siden seilene er formet som en gammeldags drage som står opp-ned fremst på båten, dras vi framover uten av båten krenger noe særlig. En noe vuggende. read more...

Fri Flyt - 28. November: 1.søndag i advent

Trass i manglende kulde og kronisk ukedagforvirring klarte vi å identifisere 1. søndag i advent i går. Den falt sammen med feiringen av at 1. uke til sjøs er gjennomført med stil, og vi feiret med ferske sveler og tenning av adventslys. Stearinlys er det veldig lite av ombord, og det blåser jevnt, så mens Fri Flyt blandakor sang "Nå tenner vi det første lys" så det ljomet utover havet, holdt jeg en lighter brennende i le av den andre hånden. Måtte tennes flere ganger underveis, men det ble adventsstemning god som noen. Bortsett fra at det var helt malplassert på en måte...Hvis resten av turen forløper like smertefritt som denne første uka blir resultatet helt strålende. Det har. read more...

Stealaway - Log Day 9 & 10

Two days in one report today as I have fallen a little behind as a result of our busy schedule.We we sailed from Bayona at 09:30 (local) in the forecast SW wind rain and poor visibility for the 50 miles trip to Povoa de Varzim. Povoa is about 20 miles north of Porto; more on that later.Our leader Andrew from WC had tried hard to convince us that the wind would be NW at the skipper's briefing. But even with his best connections could not obtain the impossible. Anyway the rain stayed with us for most of the day on and off. The wind dropped light 45 minutes after the start and teased us all day by being around 5 knots from the SW, S SE. Lots of fuel consumed by the fleet to get to Povoa in time for the reception.  As the fleet arrived the wind strengthened to F6 and the rain became. read more...

Aztec Dream - Days 13 to 16 - Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz, our next taste of land,We have rarely seen so much sand!Like sardines the yachts were packed,Ask ”Manatees”, that’s a fact!Many a story there was to be toldOf fun with spinnakers, halyards and folds! The sardine BBQ we gave a miss,Poor Mervyn’s tummy in a bit of a tizz.Next day a trip to Coimbra the university to explore,The library gold, red and green,The bats amazingly keep it clean.Tales of students at their graduation,Stripped of robes and suits ending in degradation. Then to the medieval fayre, donkeys and syphilitic gummas to see,Much food being sold from small marquees.Lunch Italian we ate,With another Vinho Verde that was great.Moorish Montemor Castle our next stop,Endless panoramic views of the rice fields we got. Dinner at. read more...

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