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Aislig Bheag - 24th to 26th July, Madeira to La Palma



On the morning of Thursday 24th July we checked the forecast which looked good for our sail south to the Canaries. We changed sails from the genny to the new twin headsails as it looked like a following wind. As we didn't want to arrive in La Palma in the middle of the night, we waited until just after 11am before heading off. We started with the main and twin head sails and made good progress for first few hours before the wind died and we folded away the head sails and continued under engine and flapping main for the next few hours. We commenced a three hour watch system from 12 mid day. By mid afternoon we were back under sail with 2 head sails and main which was later taken down as the wind increased. By the following morning the wind had gone to the North East and we were on a broad reach allowing us to continue under head sails, both set to starboard. The wind was fairly stable and the sea state moderate allowing for a reasonably comfortable passage. Half way through day 2 the wind died and we motored thereafter. It was good having Tony to share the watches as for two it would have been quite tiring. We used the auto helm on day two to allow us all to eat together. When I came on to the 6am watch, the first thing I saw was a large shoal of flying fish, skimming and shimmering across the sea just off the port bow. We later saw another shoal and periodically the dolphins would join us on our journey.


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