can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Daily Logs

Filter by..
Search


05/11/2022

Disa - Getting Ready to Depart

Two months ago, while moored in Gibraltar, we made the decision to join ARC+.  What a whirlwind this past two months has been as we have prepared our boat for this awesome rally!  Joining an ARC event forced us to improve the safety standards on our boat and also gave us the opportunity to try out our downwind sails as we sailed to Madeira and then on to Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. In Las Palmas we met our two amazing crew, who had been sailing on a friend's boat and came highly recommended.  Andy is a classically trained French cuisine chef and K is a nurse.  They both completed their RYA Day Skipper courses in Gibraltar, and we've been together long enough to feel like a family already.  I don't think we could have got our boat ready in time without their. read more...


Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
Disa - Getting Ready to Depart
05/11/2022

Lomvi - Day 0 - Final preparations

Dear mermaids! Welcome to the official adventure blog of LOMVI and its crew Team7steps.  Today we are making the final adjustments to our mother ship, before we set sail tomorrow. Crew is half relaxed half nervous.  We have filled the boat with fermented grapes, love and safety. During our crossing we will be keeping you all updated on the latest news from the frontier of adventure, on this exiting wcc blog!  If you want to have a look at our grand voyage so far, visit team7steps on Instagram.  We wish you all the love and peace that fit into your dojo! Sea you later,Team7steps   . read more...


05/11/2022

Eventually - Last night before the big rally.

The crew and boat are happy and ready to go!!. read more...


04/11/2022

Helia2 - Helicopter Rescue Drill

Enclosed is a link to a video of the drill from the deck of Helia2!https://youtu.be/mGxwCSrb7kY. read more...


Helia2 - Helicopter Rescue Drill
Helia2 - Helicopter Rescue Drill
26/10/2022

Sirocco - Avocado and cilantro - perfect condiment for home made guacamole on board of Sirocco

IMG_0239. read more...


Sirocco - Avocado and cilantro - perfect condiment for home made guacamole on board of Sirocco
Sirocco - Avocado and cilantro - perfect condiment for home made guacamole on board of Sirocco
25/10/2022

Sirocco - Sirocco and the crew is approaching!

On our way from Estepona to Canarias. The crew is excited!image0. read more...


Sirocco - Sirocco and the crew is approaching!
Sirocco - Sirocco and the crew is approaching!
14/10/2022

Gian - After the ARC is before the ARC

After our first ARC participation in 2015, we crossed the Atlantic again in 2021 with the World Cruising Club. It was a special year, as because of the COVID virus every planning had big question marks. Therefore our ARC World 2022 was also cancelled by the WCC. Too bad, but a right decision at that time. So we had to start our plan 'B'. Caribbean instead of Pacific and then back to Croatia. But quickly it was clear to us that we want to participate in the ARC again in 2023. Why ? A great organization, a great adventure and many new friends ! Kithara, Escapade of London, Casamara, Blue Magic, Daisy, Cessa, the Dragon fleet, Sylvia and and and - encounters that you do not want to miss.We are looking forward to the ARC 2023 ! Maybe we can defend our first place in the Cruising B Division. read more...


28/09/2022

Lissy III - The two ships "Mola" and "Lissy III" have been moved ashore for overhaul and inspection.

The two ships "Mola" and "Lissy III" have been moved ashore for overhaul and inspection.Here in Rügen everything is checked again in detail, per ship there is a packing list on which is listed what everything is to be found on board. For the crossing from Las Palmas to Saint Lucia must also be recorded what we need in water. If no desalination plant is available, calculations and rules must be made regarding consumption. For example, washing up will then be done with seawater. Or potatoes in their skins, eggs can be cooked in salt water. On the other hand, salt water cannot be used for cooking pasta - it would be inedible. Showering is done with Atlantic water (very refreshing) and rinsing is done shortly after. Purchased vegetables and fruits are "pre-washed, cleaned" in Las. read more...


29/08/2022

Lissy III - Lissy III - The adventure takes slowly place

On the next ARC 2022 two sailing yachts from Mola Yachting, Germany, takes place. One will be "Mola" and the other one Lissy III. I will be the skipper on Lissy III with 9 crew. It's the 6th time for me to sail the ARC, this time as a skipper lady on a 51ft Bavaria. Other times I sailed on my own keel, the smallest boat with 10 m. I think I'm already one of the old "skippers", if only by age (66). Sailing keep you young in mind and body.At the moment I prepare the food and beverage list incl. a menu plan. 10 peoples to feed isn't do easy and for this I asked first what kind of allergies they have, if they est everything, how much water they drinking a day, what they usually eat for breakfast etc.After I had all important informations, I worked out a menu plan. They are all of the same. read more...


12/07/2022

Bolero - The final leg!

The time had come for the final leg of Rally Portugal to Lagos.We were up with the sparrows and left our berth at 6:00am, we raised the main and unfurled the genoa.This was to be a leg with the start time of the boats logged as the crossed the start and the finish lines.We drifted in the zephyrs over the start line.Lack of wind and distance were a challenge.The entrance to the marina in Lagos is behind a bridge, the final raising of the bridge is a 21:50.After 30 minutes of slowly gliding through the water at 2.5 knots, our ETA at Cape St Vincent was 23:59….. with a further 20 miles to go.Nick asked if we wanted to get there, or carry on sailing.It was time to switch on the engine!The VHF sprung to life with questions about Bolero’s sail plan as she was going so well……. others commented. read more...


08/07/2022

Bolero - Sines

The spinnaker was brought up on deck the night before departure in preparation for a down wind leg the next morning……….. well that was the plan, the elements had different intentions.We left the the marina for the 10am start.The current was pretty strong as we left the shelter of the harbour wall and some boats found themselves on the wrong side of the line.The start horn blasted and we were off …….. beating to windward.No one minded the up wind sailing as the sun was shining and it was beautifully warm. Every inch of flesh had been slathered in sun screen as we thought it was going to be a real scorcher.So that’s two assumptions incorrect!As we made our way along the coast, a haze developed which transformed into low cloud and we were looking at the many shades of grey from the paint. read more...


03/07/2022

Blonde Moment - Blog 11 Sines

A dull morning in Sines but warm.The crews all assembled at the castle high above the marina and sandy beach.The Portugese explorer and navigator Vasco da Gama was born here in 1469 and an excavation at the castle has unearthed coins, pottery and even Roman artefacts.We were given a tour of the castle and museum and then treated to a delicous spead of tarts, quiches, salads and fruit with cake.A real treat.The sun came out in the afternoon as we were all preparing for tomorrow's final leg and a really long one round Cape St Vincent to the Algarve and Lagos.. read more...


03/07/2022

Blonde Moment - Blog 10 Nazare to Oeiras

The wind and sea conditions meant that the fleet were given the choice of sailing on to Oeiras on the Thursday or Friday.Seven boats left on the Thursday but we were enjoying Nazare so much, we decided to stay the extra day.A walk along the red flagged beach with huge dumping waves in lovely warm sunshine was just what we needed.The sail to Oeiras on Friday 1st July started slowly but the wind gradually kicked in and we enjoyed a great downwind sail until the headland......an acceleration zone exists there and the wind went very rapidly from 10 to 16 to 34 knots needing 3 reefs in the main and the headsail reduced to a postage stamp.Very exciting sailing!A maximum speed of 10.8 knots was recorded........Oeiras gave crews the opportunity to hop on a train to visit Lisbon, Cascais or. read more...


03/07/2022

Blonde Moment - Blog 9 Figuero da Foz to Nazare

`Having recovered from the long sail and a very late night celebrating over sardines......it was also our wedding anniversary.... Paul and I decided to skip the tour of Coimbra as we had both been before.BM was given a thorough bubbles wash down outside and a good dust and polish inside whilst the washing machine did endless loads.Sometimes on these rallies you just need a day to catch up with yourself.We popped over to the market opposite the marina and bought half a kilo of fresh prawns and some lovely bread and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch in between jobs.There is also a walk along the beach which is worthwhile.Monday 27th there was a coach trip to the top of the hills behind Figuera with a stunning view along the coast.We also visited the museum with lots of modern art and finally. read more...


04/07/2022

Bolero - Oeiras

HDue to the high winds forecast, skippers were given the choice of either heading towards Oeiras on Thursday or Friday, and because of this, the leg would again be a non-competitive leg and would fall under the jurisdiction of the Fun Racing Committee of One. The conditions on Thursday were forecast to be more perky than on Friday.Nick decided that we would head from Nazare on Thursday at 7am.We lead a line from our stern to the adjacent pontoon and Paul from Sea Crusader walked the bow down our finger pontoon.We swung on the stern line and were away.The swell as we left the shelter of the sea wall was certainly apparent.We hoisted the mainsail which already had 2 reefs and then hoisted the stay sail.This proved to be a good sail plan while Maz cooked a cowboy breakfast of scrambled. read more...


03/07/2022

Bolero - To Nazare

Our next destination was changed from Peniche to Nazare.This meant a much shorter passage from Figueira da Foz.This was a non competitive leg.Skippers were advised to make a note of their start and finish times in the forecast light conditions.The mainsail was hoisted as we left the harbour, followed by the Genoa and staysail.The cutter rig proved the ideal sail plan for the conditions and we romped along in glorious sunshine.This was the shortest passage to date, but there was a sting in the tail…….As we rounded the final headland the wind picked up significantly as we lowered the sails.We were feeling the effects of the Nazare trench.The boat rolled in the swell as we waited to go into the harbour.As soon as we were sheltered by the breakwater, the sea flattened but the wind reminded.. read more...


29/06/2022

Bolero - Sunshine!

Saturday dawned with a cloudless blue sky, we were up bright and early for our 0800 start.We rigged the spinnaker and left the marina.The engine was stopped and the spinnaker hoisted.We drifted across the start line a few minutes after the starting horn well behind most of the other 10 starters who had decided to motor in the sporadic zephyrs.The wind played games with us, we raised and lowered the spinnaker pole, eased it forward and brought it back, raised it again…… these fun and games went on for a while….. the first cup of coffee didn’t help matters, but second an hour later with a piece of yoghurt cake seemed to do the trick and the wind filled in and Bolero lifted her skirts and slowly took off.We had a lovely sail along the Portuguese coast gradually catching up with the fleet.As. read more...


Arkyla - The dolphins are back!
Arkyla - The dolphins are back!
Kite Runner - Looking out for where the best breeze is
Kite Runner - Looking out for where the best breeze is
Kite Runner - Getting hammers at São João
Kite Runner - Getting hammers at São João
Kite Runner - Sunset over Porto
Kite Runner - Sunset over Porto
Kite Runner - Sea Horse and Kite Runner enjoying the São João festivities in Porto
Kite Runner - Sea Horse and Kite Runner enjoying the São João festivities in Porto
Kite Runner - Port cellar tour
Kite Runner - Port cellar tour
Kite Runner - Crew photo overlooking Porto
Kite Runner - Crew photo overlooking Porto
Kite Runner - Walk to crew dinner on arrival at Povoa de Varzim
Kite Runner - Walk to crew dinner on arrival at Povoa de Varzim
Kite Runner - Crew in race mode
Kite Runner - Crew in race mode
27/06/2022

Bolero - Festivals two ways!

Wednesday, our departure day from Bayona dawned as seems customary for the ARC Portugal rally with rain.However, by the time we had slipped our lines, the decks were beginning to dry and the sun was attempting to break through the clouds and blue sky was making the odd appearance. The whole fleet crossed the start line under engine at 10.30.We switched off the engine after 55 minutes and hoisted our asymmetric cruising chute.The winds were light and the sail wasn’t happy until the wind ghosted above 12 knots.There were no complaints from the crew as the layers were gradually shed and we were sailing in shorts and tee shirts in proper sunshine!We gybed twice on our way south, firstly by snuffing the sail into the squeezer and then passing it forward of the forestay and then raising the. read more...


26/06/2022

Blonde Moment - Blog 8 Povoa to Figuero de Foz

And now we are two........ (Roy flew home from Porto).Another windless start line which most boats motored over as this is one of the longest legs - 74 nm.We really needed to keep an average speed of 6 knots in order to reach Figuero before the 9pm cut off and start of the sardine bbq.Two hours of motoring and the wind began to fill in so we started with main and poled out headsail; quickly this set up was changed for the blue water runner - lasted only half and hour before the skipper wanted the Code Zero out.........you get the idea!Five sail changes; rapidly increasing winds and changing angles and eleven and a half hours later we reached our destination with time for a quick shower and up to the the clubhouse for our sardines - tasted great!. read more...


26/06/2022

Blonde Moment - Blog 7 Baiona to Povoa de Varzim

Beautiful sunny day but very little wind at the start line, which every boat took under engine.However, having motored straight out for 30 minutes the skipper decided we would cut the engine and try sailing under Code Zero, but only after the crew had finished their coffee!This was ok but only until we changed course when the wind angle no longer suited the huge sail so this was dropped and Paul and Roy rigged the blue water runner - only its second outing!The blue water runner is a great downwind sail and allowed us to follow the rhumbline whereas the Code Zero meant we had to gybe in and out (takes longer).So we were making good speed in the right direction - an enjoyable 10 hour downwind sail.The sailing club of Povoa hosted us for a lovely meal in their clubhouse so everyone could. read more...


Arkyla - Broad reaching past Porto
Arkyla - Broad reaching past Porto
Arkyla - Falcon - Blue Water Runner
Arkyla - Falcon - Blue Water Runner
Arkyla - Bolero bowman
Arkyla - Bolero bowman
Arkyla - Brizo disappearing act
Arkyla - Brizo disappearing act
24/06/2022

Falcon - You Tube Video of Biscay Crossing

https://youtu.be/RYqvhKFeR4k. read more...


24/06/2022

Arkyla - 22-24 Jun 22 – Bayona to Povoa de Vazim... feeling 'international'!

Captain’s log:  Allegedly “a gentleman never sails to windward” so, with a certificate signed by HM the Queen to testify I was once both officer and said gentle person, I was very pleased with the Rally decision to delay the push south by 24 hours.  However, even with the wind blowing from the north, all was not well as, when we fired up the mighty Yanmar to head to Wednesday’s start line, Arkyla’s over-charging issue reared its ugly head again.  Trying to keep revs as low as possible so we wouldn’t cook all the electronics, we watched somewhat frustrated as the fleet charged off in the near calm leaving us with a splendid view of a score of sterns departing Bayona! Once out of the Bay however the wind filled a little and we set the twin headsails to head south to Portugal.  The. read more...


Arkyla - Arkyla: Castle Island wing-on-wing
Arkyla - Arkyla: Castle Island wing-on-wing
Arkyla - Arkyla: Castle Island & crew
Arkyla - Arkyla:  Castle Island & crew
Arkyla - Arkyla: Katy under parasail
Arkyla - Arkyla:  Katy under parasail
Arkyla - Arkyla: Katy and Via Mio under cruising chutes
Arkyla - Arkyla:  Katy and Via Mio under cruising chutes
22/06/2022

Blue Pearl - Video & Slideshow of Baiona Leg onboard Blue Pearl

. read more...