Tuesday 29th July
The wind has got up throughout the night and it’s blowing old boots when we get up in the morning. Alex proposes omelettes for breakfast while Ian and Annie go ashore for some fresh bread and to collect the repaired vang. There’s still a waiting list in Port Moselle marina – we enquire about the Port Sud Marina round the corner but they’re not taking anyone in as the wind is too strong. We’re recording 20 knots but the marina is saying it’s 30, gusting 40 knots. Raul comes out to the boat to show us some anchorages which offer good protection in strong winds. We’re just debating what to do when an almighty squall passes and there’s a heavy downpour. We coozy in and put on some Amy McDonald to keep us in good cheer. As the morning goes on the wind increases and we’re now recording 30 knots. The Billy Connoly DVD goes on and the girls get their noses into their books. Just after lunch , Alex suddenly calls out – there’s a boat right on our stern. We’re not sure if the anchor has dragged or just stretched, but we’re up on deck immediately – Ian on the helm, Annie on the bow working the windlass and Alex relaying messages. Just before the anchor is completely up the windlass starts to jam but after a bit of footering about with the winch, it’s soon back working. We move across the bay to where we hope there will be a bit more shelter, drop about 40m of chain and hope for the best. Mid afternoon, Ian, Alex and Annie have to brave the wilds again to fully furl the headsail, as the little bit that’s out is flapping furiously and putting strain on the forestay. Raul calls round telling us to move further round the lee of the land for better protection but we seem to have a good hold so are reluctant to lift the anchor in case further problems occur. As looks like no-one’s going ashore today Annie puts on the leg of lamb for a slow roast. The day is spent listening to the wind howling outside( often gusting over 30 knots) watching films, reading and eating! We have dinner then watch a good few hours of Still Game. It’s still blowing wildly late on so Ian checks the anchor again before we head to bed.