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Gozwoz - Roger and the Red Light



The marina at Vila do Porto was well run and we were extremely well looked after. As is usual the pontoons were fitted with electric sockets and water pipes which were mounted on posts at regular intervals, each post having a light on top. All the lights in the posts were white with one exception, that was the one by our stern which was red, apparently advertising the presence of someone of loose morals on GOZWOZ. Our last night at Vila do Porto involved a barbecue at the Club Naval and traditional dancing, which turned out to be a very competent musical duo. Roger was of course dolled up in going out mode. On our return to GOZWOZ a digestive (drink not biscuit) was being enjoyed in the cockpit. I am pleased to say that we had a number of enquiries from other returning yachties as to what the red light was advertising but, despite assurances as to Roger's cleanliness, wholesomeness and unquestioned value for money, there were no takers. I am sure that this is not a reflection on either the virtue or the good looks of Roger!

The start of our final leg was overseen by a small Portuguese naval vessel (warship) of some antiquity, F487 for people that like to look up such things. GOZWOZ had a average start but, Our Great Leader having decreed the necessity of maintaining a daily average of 150 NM, the engine was soon turned on leaving GOZWOZ at the head of the fleet. After two hours we are motor sailing with the faster boats of the fleet catching nup on us. At every stopping point in the Azores participants have left us. Today we said goodbye to Harald and Kristal on Sophie who are heading off to the Canaries where we understand they are to hand over Sophie, which they have sailed around the world, to their daughter. They have been good company and have provided us with much helpful advice. Above all, they are a great example of how to make the most of your retirement.

When GOZWOZ is motoring we are plagued with a battery-related alarm which emanates noisily and at great length from the engine control panel. This has been a fact of life on GOZWOZ for years. Today the Bosun strode up to the panel, pressed a button and silenced the alarm. Having admitted that he had been reading the engine manual he received little gratitude. He should have read it a long time ago.
OGL's plan, received with acclaim by the crew, is to reach Lagos on Friday, hence the motoring. As is the norm, there are northerly winds between here and the mainland, although they are at least two days from our present position. For that reason our present course is to the north of the direct route and we will turn to the south east when we meet the northerly winds.

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