Webster - Log 10 Sines to Lagos - the last leg!

Well this is it the last leg on our trip South to Lagos which was to take us around cape St Vincent, the notorious cape off which Nelson fought his great battle at Trafalgar. We were warned of wind speed increases of three Beaufort scales and big seas so Kate was spooked before we had even started. However, the forecast was for light winds on the nose and as this was going to be the longest leg, 75nm, it was going to be a motoring job for all. So up at 5am for a 6am start and we were off under engine which was a bit disappointing given the fantastic sailing conditions we had enjoyed the past few legs but never mind. Put full main up to balance the boat and that's how we went some 55nm down to the Cape. However, boats were already going round and reporting 28 knots from the East (on the nose) and rough seas so I put in a reef even though where we were at the time there was nothing!

News came from ahead that Serendipity was having engine problems, probably via a faulty starter motor so was requesting a tow. Ocean Trilogy, a Moody 38 offered as nearest and we headed in that direction too. She towed Serendipity up to the Cape where the wind kicked in and she could sail but ourselves and Abraxus stood by just in case a further assistance was required.
The wind was only force 3-4 when we got there and the three of us made good time around the corner. However, despite Gary on Abraxus passing over a new starter motor ( a sterling effort in those seas) then us passing over some jump leads which meant passing very close by and Kate on deck catching their heaving line to which she tied the jump leads and threw back, no luck with the engine. The wind was dying off too which was a pain as we were still some 15nm short of destination so I decided, as Kate did not want to be out in the dark, to go back to the Treacle Miners on Serendipity and start towing. So we both set up bridle lines and I sailed up close again and Kate caught their tow rope which we hitched up to the bridle and we were off - at 4 knots! Gary stayed close all the time in case and treated us to a startling display of dolphins playing around his boat which he brought over to us. Fantastic!

Anyway, we eventually rounded the point a mile short of the marina entrance in the increasing gloom as it was nearly 2130 by now and the tide (springs) was getting very low giving only a depth of 3 or4 metres in the entrance ( we draw 2.2 metres) it was a close call. Rally Control were on VHF suggesting that we did not attempt an entrance as there were breaking waves in the entrance so better either to go onto the next port or anchor off and wait for more water - Kate was determined not to be out after dark and Dave could not anchor effectively without an engine so there was nothing for it but to go for broke and go for the entrance. Dave trailed a drogue to slow us and stop him crashing into the back of us in the surf. All the advice and assistance from shore from other rally boats on VHF was a god send and much appreciated.

I straightened us both up above the surf called Dave and asked "are we sure about this guys? Are we quite sure?"' to which there was no response so had to commit and go for it - the entrance is about two boat lengths wide with breaking seas so you can imagine what it looked like from seaward! I let two huge waves go by then gunned it and we both surfed in dead down the middle - there was no way I would have attempted that in the light!! Then tranquility........ as flat as a millpond - we were in! Kate now let go of the hatch cover to which she was gripped with eyes tight shut and we landed the guys against the reception pontoon where almost the entire fleet had congregated to collect lines from the both of us. Brilliant - cheers all round. We were allowed through the bridge and I promptly ran aground and the marina boat had to tow me off!

Lovely end of rally party and dinner, a great prize giving at which everyone received a prize and momento. Woke up with a hangover! Happy Days.

We are here for a few weeks now in the sunshine and await Doug and Christine Rivers and Rick Bakewell who fly out on 17th August to help sail the boat to Las Palmas.. Meanwhile, the girls, Jenny and Nikki are coming out for a few weeks in the sun. It's all go...........

Charlie (Webster)

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