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24/11/2021

Minga - Día 3, llegó el viento

Por la tarde empezamos a tener buen viento en popa, probamos por primera vez la configuración de las 2 genoas, la cual ha funcionado de maravilla. Me rape la cabeza y la pesca no ha tenido novedades.Partimos viendo GOT, para complementar con la lectura.SaludosJuanpiSent from Iridium Mail & Web.. read more...


24/11/2021

Time Out - Day 3 - Pêche “miraculeuse”

Dernier quart de la nuit mouvementé pour YM et Marianne qui ont dû laver le pont du bateau souillé par un oiseau échappé des côtes africaines.En fin de matinée, deux poissons mordent simultanément… mais s’échappent. Ce ne sera que partie remise car alors que nous finissons de déjeuner de nouveaux mahi-mahi mordent. Mais cette fois, forts de l’expérience précédente, les 2 poissons (un sur chaque ligne) ne s’échaperont pas. Les rôles sont bien calés : il y a ceux qui sortent les prises de l’eau, ceux qui gèrent les voiles ou le moteur pour ralentir, ceux qui découpent…Ce sera donc une journée sous le signe des mahi-mahi : Ceviche de la pêche du premier jour en apéro et papillotes de la pêche du jour pour le diner.Vers 11h, nous croisons une embarcation à la dérive, et vide de ses. read more...


24/11/2021

Walkabout - Walkabout - Chillin' in the mid Atlantic - Day 5 Mindelo to Grenada

N12:9.9 W35:2.5Yesterday was a fairly relaxed day.We had the same sail set up for over 24 hours - BWR dead downwind, Hydrovane steering.Winds were light, not much swell and the sun was out.A perfect day foe messing around on boats.But we aren’t messing around, we are going to Grenada!! So the main topic of conversation during the day was the wind and the fact that the forecast indicates that we will go from not much to very little over the next 24 hours.So we have been trying to decide on our plan.We want to make the best possible progress towards Grenada and keep motoring to a minimum.But we aren’t going to bob about doing 2knots.We will motor if we have to.We got through yesterday without motoring.We could see on AIS that 2 boats near us were motoring for a time.But it has been fairly. read more...


24/11/2021

Blake - why no fridge lights on boats?

It’s 203am and I’m looking for the milk and wondering why they don’t put lights in fridges on boats?!Armed with headlamp it’s not impossible to find what you are looking for but it does make you wonder (wish me luck getting the milk back in as ‘fridge Tetris’ can be a frustrating game!)www.boatfridgelights.com hmm I’m a fan of domain names might see if that one’s available, maybe check to see if www.squarepans.com is taken too?Why are we all trying to use round pots and pans on these little boat stoves?There should be some custom square pans, maybe they are already available?They would fit much more nicely and give you more cooking area.They need to be about 20-25cm square and probably with removable handles, and deep too as dinner tends to slop over the sides when the stove. read more...


24/11/2021

Emily Morgan - Day 3 - Sealife

The silver path of moon light gave way to a rose tinted dawn on Tuesday. Another calm morning of motoring with the bonus of great visibility. A line of over a hundred dolphins overtook Emily Morgan. A group of inquisitive youngsters diverted towards us, jumping up from the sea and twirling and flopping back down with a noisy splash. Adult dolphins then joined them and they spent the next half hour riding our bow wave and diving beneath the boat. After a three-hour interlude there came a pod of pilot whales in a synchronised procession, gracefully breaking the surface with their black fins and curved backs. They passed in a northerly direction, purposeful and resolute. The day passed with further sightings of common and striped dolphins, mainly passing southwards, and another three pods. read more...


Emily Morgan - Day 3 - Sealife
Emily Morgan - Day 3 - Sealife
24/11/2021

Emily Morgan - Day 2 - The lure of an Atlantic swim

In the early predawn hours of Monday, helicopters and coast guards in the distance were assisting with migrant boats in the vicinity of Gran Canaria. The glow from shore based lights and the navigation lights of other boats faded into the horizon. By sunrise Emily Morgan was in the centre of an enormous empty 12-mile circle of smooth grey sea. Captain Anna reviewed the weather forecast and decided on a southern course parallel to the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara and assisted by the Canaries current. Entertainment was provided by Bones who demonstrated the making of fishing lures. Brody concocted a version and set up the trolling line. We're still awaiting a bite. The calm conditions persisted. The sky cleared and the sea turned to a glassy navy blue. 'Engine off and swimsuits on!'. read more...


Emily Morgan - Day 2 - The lure of an Atlantic swim
Emily Morgan - Day 2 - The lure of an Atlantic swim
22/11/2021

Morgane of Sark - a day to relax

Hi, we are entering our 4th night on the ocean and all is well. We actually had a fun day. Herco joins the SSB net every morning, when the rest of the crew is usually still asleep. We had quite some nice communication today, with the Brainwave, High Cotton and Pippin.On the SSB or VHF. At this moment, we see Sundance and Daisy on our AIS. They are within 6 miles from us.What else did we do? Mila tried a “Dolphin dance” to attract dolphins. We are ready for some sealife around us. Didn’t work yet, tomorrow another try. Maybe, all four of us must do the dance…The bread Merel baked yesterday was as hard as a rock. Today a new attempt, and it is definitely improving. Tomorrow another try. We probably learned how to bake bread once we are in Grenada!Herco took out the ukelele the girls gave. read more...


23/11/2021

Morgane of Sark - a lazy tuesday at the Morgane of Sark

While the sky is turning red as the sun sets, and the sails are clapping due to little wind, we write you the daily update from the Morgane of Sark. Today flew by, and actually we didn’t do much. As active as we all were yesterday, today we were a bit lazy. It was very warm today! Just some reading, wave staring, cooking, eating, playing with Evy and chatting on the SSB every once in a while. No dolphins anywhere and no fish on our hook. Nor another attempt to bake an eatable bread. In the afternoon, we decided to gype. After catching a new weather forecast, we wanted to go a bit more south. We were still butterflying with the main on port side, already more than 36 hours. The whole manoeuvre took us about an hour. The preventer, the boom, the cutterjip… . We take it easy on the ever. read more...


23/11/2021

Cajuna - J+3 : Deux faits marquants, 2eme essai

Le premier revient sur mon mail d’hier. François m’a fait mentir.A peine avais-je envoyé le mail, en rentrant sa ligne il nous a pêché un petit thon.Tartare de thon dans la foulée et aujourd’hui Thon à la tahitienne !Le second c’est qu’on c’est fait rattraper par un concurrent de …. La transat Jacques Fabre (Le Havre-Martinique), un classe 40 avec lequel nous avons échangé, très sympa, le bateau se nomme : Palanod 3 Solosailor. Il filait deux fois plus vite que nous mais enviait notre confort !Sinon tout va bien à bord, bonne journée de voile à plus de 6 kts de moyenne. On est toujours au coude à coude avec Escapade of London, des British comme son nom l’indique, avec notre SPI bleu/blanc/rouge on joue les Surcouf !A+image1. read more...


Cajuna - J+3 : Deux faits marquants, 2eme essai
Cajuna - J+3 : Deux faits marquants, 2eme essai
23/11/2021

Morgane of Sark - a lazy tuesday at the Morgane of Sark

While the sky is turning red as the sun sets, and the sails are clapping due to little wind, we write you the daily update from the Morgane of Sark. Today flew by, and actually we didn’t do much. As active as we all were yesterday, today we were a bit lazy. It was very warm today! Just some reading, wave staring, cooking, eating, playing with Evy and chatting on the SSB every once in a while. No dolphins anywhere and no fish on our hook. Nor another attempt to bake an eatable bread. Two participants, solo sailors, of a mini transat race flew by today. In the afternoon, we decided to gype. After catching a new weather forecast, we wanted to go a bit more south. We were still butterflying with the main on port side, already more than 36 hours. The whole manoeuvre took us about an hour. The. read more...


23/11/2021

Mary Doll - Day 3: All creatures great and small

We have an onboard competition to see the most wildlife and any sightings must be corroborated by another or by photographic evidence. Yes, we are that competitive and always guard against cheating.Tuesday morning saw Caroline in the lead with two seabirds. As soon as Letitia was the only person up top a pod of dolphins came swimming around the boat. Dilemma, watch the enchanting encounter or dash to find a camera. Camera duly found and evidence obtained. Bobby joined Letitia on deck and he also saw the dolphins. Then a splash was sighted, then another, way off in the distance and on closer inspection it was the blow of a whale. A really, really big whale who blew once more then arched her back and gracefully brought her fluke tail out of the water as she dived. Late afternoon saw a. read more...


Mary Doll - Day 3: All creatures great and small
Mary Doll - Day 3: All creatures great and small
23/11/2021

Mary Doll - Day 2: Finding our sea legs but the wind escapes us

First night watches were all completed without any fuss.It was an exciting time dodging our fellow ARC boats but by morning the pack had spread and the ocean accommodated everyone with ease.We had limited opportunity to sail as the winds were light but we eagerly hoisted our sails whenever there was a chance we could make some way under sail.The engine was on a lot.On glass like seas we had full table service dinner prepared by Lewis and nothing slipped or slid. A wonderful experience on its own, but still we would have easily traded this for stronger consistent wind in the right direction.Daylight was finished with a quiz won by our skipper Derek, although I think the quizmaster may have been trying to curry favour. We have two watch teams and are operating a 3 hour watch system.The. read more...


23/11/2021

Cajuna - J+4 : SPI à l’eau

Non, ce n’est pas une nouvelle boisson mais la continuité de nos misères avec le SPI. La journée avait été calme et on se demandait quoi raconter quand la drisse de SPI a lâché. Mauvais montage visiblement car elle est neuve mais a été passée sans poulie et s’est donc usée prématurément. Demain on va profiter de la pétole pour remettre ça en ordre.Tout va bien.A+. read more...


23/11/2021

Tamanaco - second day

Hello everyone!Thanks for the messages of encouragement, which are much appreciated.After our second night under engine, this morning the wind strengthened some, allowing us to set the gennaker and enjoy the quieter sail.We took advantage of today to sort a few things on board, including furlin guides, boom preventer, and a couple of other nits.The day was sunny and warm.We caught a large fish which managed to break away, leaving our line bare.Little by little we settle into our routine, and everyone is catching up on sleep after a super hectic week in Las Palmas, running left and right to get ready.We are all very happy to be here.Cheers!David, Vincent, Tony, Val and Rodrigue. read more...


23/11/2021

Into The Mystic - Day 3 was a big day

Wait,Could it be we are actually sailing?Yes we are.But let’s back up for a moment.So around 2pm UTC (GMT) we had 2 Mahi Mahi on the line.We successfully brought them both in.We sat down for lunch about 30 mins later and guess what?We had a big Tuna and another Mahi!!!! The lines were tangledbut somehow we managed to successfully bring them both on board, too.I let the little Mahi go as we were still filleting the previous two. But bless him he will only have one eye. I played a game of Tetris by reconfiguring the freezer space to allow for the Mahi to go in. Food is abundant on this ship, not least due to the fact that most things I had to order in Killos and as an American I wouldn’t say that is my preferred measurement.Anyways, Google said a kilo is about 5 apples which is complete. read more...


23/11/2021

Time Out - Day 1 - Le grand départ

Marche et footing matinaux pour Marianne et Jean qui sont chargés de trouver les dernières provisions… Ce n’était pas gagné sur une île espagnole, mais ils l’ont fait !Les paniers à légumes, les frigos et les placards sont pleins.Les livres numériques, les séries et autres podcasts sont chargés. Le bateau est propre. Nous larguons les amarres à midi après le briefing sécurité pour rejoindre la ligne de départ dans la baie.Après quelques tours dans l’eau nous passons la ligne à 12h30 ! C’est parti.Ambiance régate assez inattendue tout l’après-midi avec 150 bateaux qui tirent des bords dans tous les sens car Eole est contre nous… quand il se décide à souffler. Début de traversée au moteur donc.Mais consolation, nous pêchons un mahi-mahi.Pour terminer la journée, les quarts se mettent en. read more...


23/11/2021

Minga - Día 2

Día 2Ayer salimos rodeados de cientos de velas y hoy sólo vemos tres en el horizonte. Gracias al sistema de radio, durante el día hemos llamado y nos hemos entretenido con conversaciones entre las embarcaciones amigas La tripulación comenzó su propio club de lectura con "A la deriva" de Steven Callahan que cuenta la historia de un estadounidense que estuvo 76 días perdido en alta mar cruzando el océano Atlántico. Nosotros somos optimistas :)La mar ha estado más tranquila de lo que nos gustaría, pero era lo esperado y mientras pasa el día, la Minga avanza suavemente por el agua. Ve cielos grises, celestes, rosados, morados y la luna los acompaña en su guardia.Un abrazo,La Jose Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.. read more...


23/11/2021

Misty Mhor - Misty Mended Monday night to Tuesday 23rd

Monday night Our overnight watch rota consist of 2 hour shifts starting at 22.00. After initially drawing lots for the first we shift forwards on progressive nights. So I came in at 02.00 this morning, welcomed by a splendid cup of tea and a choc biscuit by the departing Dugald. We watched a huge tanker pass by on the starboard side and the AIS picked up many of the fleet motoring in the same direction. Doing nearly 6 knots on a glassy sea surrounded by a thin mist took minimal observation. Plenty of time for blogging. The addition of industrial quantities of antifreeze meant the engine was no longer overheating so we motored through the night. Getting the hot water working was to be resolved in daylight. We did enjoy an feast produced by our resident culinary wizard Fiona. She called it. read more...


Misty Mhor - Misty Mended Monday night to Tuesday 23rd
Misty Mhor - Misty Mended Monday night to Tuesday 23rd
23/11/2021

Arabella - Arabella

After 5 days sailing we are becoming more and more creative with our cooking. With only 1 fish caught the meat stocks are dwindling. The kids are demanding Daddy catch fish but all we catching is this floating sea grass. Anyway, we stopped for a swim and even did some body surfing behind the boat today. Always Giunti in 6km of water. Hope everyone’s having fun out there. Love from Arabella.. read more...


23/11/2021

Into The Mystic - And so it begins

And they are off !The pontoons at Las Palmas Marina were a veritable hive of activity on Sunday morning as every worked feverishly to get everything shipshape for the off. I had woken at 5am is a state of high dudgeon. Sleep was hard to come by. The adventure was about to commence and I found myself experiencing that weird combination of massive excitement tempered with no small degree of caution and fear - these had been my constant travelling companions for a while now. The difference was in the degree. I felt very emotional and reading the messages from friends both at home and abroad managed to elicit the odd tear for two.As the crew began ascending from their cabins we busied ourselves with the last remaining jobs : hanging out the washing, filling the water tanks, checking the. read more...


23/11/2021

Pauline af Skanor - Logbok 23/11 dag 2

Position: 22°59.592’N, 18°47.916’WDatum: 23 novemberTrip:373 NMTid: 14.30 (Pauline time, WET-1) Hej från båten!Igår eftermiddag och kväll var fyllt av häftiga upplevelser och stämningen ombord är fortsatt på topp. Havet har varit lugnt och spegelblankt med väldigt små vågor. Det var så blankt att det nästan kunde upplevas som om det vore animerat. Hur häftigt som helst och inte vad vi förväntat oss ute på Atlanten. I och med de lugna väderförhållandena har vi fortsatt behövt gå för motor, som vi ibland kombinerat med staysail. För bara någon timme sedan slog vi äntligen av motorn, vindförhållandena är just nu omkring 10 knop som kommer från 68 grader (Nordöst) och vi gör med denna vind 6-8 knop med kursen satt på 195 grader. Man märker verkligen hur liten man är på vattnet när man redan. read more...


23/11/2021

Skyelark 2 - Skyelark 2 - We begin

Given the dubious honor of beginning Skyelark’s ARC 21 blog, I probably shouldn’t begin with the miserable AA flight from Boston’s Logan Airport via Miami via Madrid to Las Palmas, so I’ll just leave it there as the point from which everything quickly improved.At age 81, I knew this was likely the last opportunity I’d have to experience this adventure, particularly given a couple of not insignificant medicalissues (not to mention Covid risks) that threatened to interfere even to the week of departure. Boarding that AA can of sardines was the first real assurance that I might actually sail a 62’ boat across the Atlantic. No small threshhold for me. To my great delight, joining me on this adventue wasmy 51-year-old son Oliver. (I’m sure you’ll be reading his impressions as well as my. read more...


23/11/2021

Walkabout - Walkabout - Baking - And that's not just the weather - Day 3 Mindelo to Grenada

N13:42.6 W30:56.9Where does the time go??The days are seeming to go quite quickly so far.We spend a lot of our time together sailing the boat, making sail/course changes and reviewing likely next moves (with a little help from our Shore Side Weather Team - Ade&Bev) .It between there is some time for reading and catching up on sleep.But not much else at the moment it seems.However, Traci has been baking bread.And it is a great success.Just like at home.The new GN Espace oven is ideal for baking - it gets evenly hot and has space for loaves.We have photos - they will have to wait for an internet connection.We made just one sail change yesterday, and swapped the BWR for the G1.That was a good decision.We made great progress through the evening, aiming towards Grenada.During the day. read more...


23/11/2021

Walkabout - Walkabout - Chafe - A Problem for Marathon Runners and Sailors Alike - Day 4 Mindelo to Grenada

N12:57.4 W33:21.9Joggers nipple is an affliction that I am happy too have avoided.But we have started to suffer from sailors chafe.Everybody says ‘check your lines regularly, move their positions so the wear points are in different locations, check/resolve any area of abrasion’.We try to do all that.But sailing 24 hours a day, day in day out is a very different prospect to a weekend trip to Salcombe.Yesterday we had our first breakage as a result of chafe.Happily with no particular consequence.The tack line that holds the bottom of the BWR to the bottom eye of the furler torsion rope (you with me??) wore through and gave way.We noticed that the foot of the sail had started riding up the torsion rope.This would have been a problem if we wanted to furl the sail and hadn’t spotted it.But we. read more...


23/11/2021

Walkabout - Walkabout - Settling into Ocean life - Mindelo to Grenada Day2

N13:43.1 W28:13.4After our frenetic day of sail changes on Day 1, Day 2 was a more relaxed affair.We sailed with full main and G1 for 24 hours, with the Hydrovane steering.The forecast showed that the wind was going to drop, and we have continued to try to sail a route that would minimise the period of time in low winds.Sure enough, the wind slowly declined, until we had only 4 or 5 knots of wind.So we decided to motor for a while.The engine was on from 1815 for 7.5 hours.After a very relaxed day, the night was less so.We both had our sleep broken by the need to make sail changes, and earlier the noise from the engine didn’t help our sleep.At 0145 we had enough wind to sail, so I woke Traci up to get the main and G1 flying.Then at 0500 Traci got me up as the wind had shifted and built to. read more...


23/11/2021

Pleasure - Day 2 - Swimming in the ocean

Everything is well on-board. Summary of recent developments: OnSunday, after a somewhat nervous morning, we left the marina in LasPalmas. The we managed to get a decent start in the race andexperienced fun sailing along the coast of Gran Canaria. Later, in thevery same evening, no wind. In the cruising class, it is allowed touse the engine to some extent. However, time and distance must berecorded and there is a penalty for each motoring hour. We try to sailas much as possible, but when the speed is too low it makes sense touse the engine to advance - closer to "good" winds furthersouth. Current plan is to head for the trade winds north of Cap Verdeand then set a more direct course toward St Lucia.Several nice meals have been served: Spaghetti bolognese, pork withcream, swedish. read more...


23/11/2021

Khamsin - Khamsin Day 5.5

Spoke too soon. We don’t seem to have shaken off the slightly dodgy luck that has dogged us on Tuesdays ever since the start: generator not working - overheating; a mysterious ingress of salt water in the front locker oh and the glass front of the oven fell off … never a dull moment!On a far happier note just called Evie in Cardiff via the sat phone and the stars to wish her a happy 21st - how cool to be called from the Atlantic Ocean!. read more...


23/11/2021

Khamsin - Khamsin Day 5

Oh what a spectacular moonlit night. Khamsin singing beautifully as we zipped smoothly through the water with planet Venus looking down on us. So peaceful (apart from the sudden wind shift which had us all leaping out of bed and hurtling outside catching cloves of garlic en route). Really settling into the routine of life at sea now. Everyone sleeping and eating well and focused on making up for the time lost at the start. We even had time for Milo to leada circuits session. As for the Parasailor… after the beautifully controlled drop from the top of the mast all is well. It truly is the most stunning sail. For the moment life is good. Just wish we had filmed the mast climbing!. read more...


23/11/2021

Walkabout - Walkabout - WOW - We're going to Grenada - Day 1 Mindelo to Grenada

N15:17.1 W26:39.2We are off!!It was a busy day yesterday - both before we left and once we got sailing.There were still plenty of jobs on the To Do list before we set off, but I think we got everything done.Lots of farewells and hugs on the pontoons before we left.And a special present from Heiki and Sheryl on Zelda - one of their very successful fishing lures - hope we can put it to good use.We haven’t had the line out yet - it has all just been a bit busy. We had time before the start to get all lines & fenders sorted, and decide our preferred line over the start - we went for the southern, committee boat end and crossed about a minute after the gun.Hopefully there may be some pics of us on the World Cruising Club website or Facebook page - check them out.Then it all got busy!!Within. read more...


23/11/2021

Just4Fun - Just4Fun blog # 3

Just4Fun ARC Blog Nummer 3Kap Verden - Grenada Tag3 und 4Ein hoch auf den Captain! Thomas hat es tatsächlich geschafft, die kaputten Stellen zu nähen und zu kleben, das Segel zu montieren und wir konnten gestern endlich den Parasailor wieder setzen. Seitdem ist es wie erhofft: wir sind durchschnittlich ein bis zwei Knoten schneller als ohne Parasailor und haben relativ wenig Welle, seit heute Morgen auch noch Sonnenschein. On top hat uns heute Morgen noch eine Delfinschule mit mindestens zwölf Tieren und sogar zwei Jungtieren besucht. Sie haben eine super Show veranstaltet und uns bestimmt eine halbe Stunde lang begleitet. Ben und ich haben fest beschlossen, keine inszenierten Delphinshows mehr zu sehen!Vorletzte und letzte Nacht waren angenehm ruhig, mit schönem Mond und schwachem bis. read more...


22/11/2021

Morgane of Sark - a day to relax

Hi, we are entering our 4th night on the ocean and all is well. We actually had a fun day. Herco joins the SSB net every morning, when the rest of the crew is usually still asleep. We had quite some nice communication today, with the Brainwave, High Cotton and Pippin.On the SSB or VHF. At this moment, we see Sundance and Daisy on our AIS. They are within 6 miles from us.What else did we do? Mila tried a “Dolphin dance” to attract dolphins. We are ready for some sealife around us. Didn’t work yet, tomorrow another try. Maybe, all four of us must do the dance…The bread Merel baked yesterday was as hard as a rock. Today a new attempt, and it is definitely improving. Tomorrow another try. We probably learned how to bake bread once we are in Grenada!Herco took out the ukelele the girls gave. read more...


22/11/2021

Maalu IV - Day 1 Is this really the Atlantic?

After the excitement of a race start (this mostly non race experienced crew crossed the line at 13.20). We sailed for the first four hours and as the wind died and we contemplated 3000 nm at sea there was no debate when the skipper suggested some diesel aided propulsion. Since then we have motor sailed as we head south. The night watches speed by. Despite being surrounded by ARC yachts it was rare to need to collision avoid as everyone was travelling in much the same direction. For a while we appeared to be in the centre of an active search + rescue operation run by a powerful launch and airplane. Our AIS alarmed every time the plane passed over us causing some consternation until we realised that there was no yacht in our vicinity. Our hearts go out to those desperate souls who risk. read more...


22/11/2021

Tamanaco - First 24 hours at sea

Everything is well on board Tamanaco.We organized our night shit schedule, and will be getting into the rythme of sleeping and waking up every few hours.Leaving Gran Canaria was fun, with reasonable wind and, for the crew, the Wifi internet still working.My sister Barbara came to support Rodrigue, along with their middle son, Nathan.As our route went past the airport we were able to spot the plane that was bringing them back to Belgium.There is very little wind at the moment, so we decided to motor toward Cap Verde, in the hope of catching the nascent trade winds.Morale is good, we ate the takeout Lebanese restaurant food.Always best to get the first mean ready, as yesterday was a very busy day.You can email us at [email protected]!David, Vincent, Val, Rodrigue and Tony. read more...


Cajuna - J+1 : la pétole
Cajuna - J+1 : la pétole
Cajuna - J+3 : Deux faits marquants
Cajuna - J+3 : Deux faits marquants
22/11/2021

Blake - where did everybody go?!

I love the way all the rally boats exit the marina in Las Palmas for the start of the ARC, such a noisy and fun atmosphere all around.From about 10am onwards the boats say their goodbyes to family, friends and other crews and slip lines from the dock.It seems to be that the big boats leave the wall first and have the loudest boat horns which gets everyone in the mood, but it’s hats off to the guys at the fuel dock that have an air compressor hooked up to a giant couple of air horns - honk! honk!Before long it’s a slow, steady progression of rally boats headed out the marina and out to the start line, sent off by crowds on the breakwaters. With a countdown for the 1300 start everyone is off and tacking in light headwinds down the coast of Gran Canaria.To be honest after watching the start. read more...


22/11/2021

Pauline af Skanor - Logbok 22/11 dag 1

Position: 25°35.924’N, 16°53.534’WDatum: 22 novemberTrip: 182 NMTid:17:00Hej hopp!Söndagen den 21 november kastade vi loss ca 11:30 på dagen från Las Palmas. Det blev inte alls som vi hade tänkt då båtarna runt omkring hade lämnat marinan tidigare vilket gjorde att vårt ankare släppte och båten hamnade i svängning varpå vi kom närmare bryggan än vi önskat några gånger. Anette fick skynda sig av båten och det blev en lite hastig utfart ut ur marinan. Längs klipporna i hamninloppet stod fullt med folk som vinkade av alla båtarna som gav sig ut mot startlinjen och gjorde sig redo. Det var riktigt mäktigt att se alla båtar som ska genomföra ARC 2021, ca 150 båtar cirkulerade runt och inväntade startskottet. När det väl var dags och de ansvariga ropade ut i radion ”5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - PANG” så. read more...


22/11/2021

Misty Mhor - Mhor Miseries Monday 22nd Nov

First the good news. We enjoyed our first night at sea, mostly motoring but trying to sail when ever possible. We are all heading south to south west hoping for the trades to fill in. We set the code zero from our bowsprit when the wind came up from the south but with less than 8 knots it buckled. See photo. So back to the motor. We had noticed a distinct lack of hot water in our showers. This led us to examine the circulation from the engine and all was not well. The thinking is that an airlock is stopping it from going round and the overheating alarm went off. The medics on board are trying to solve the boats circulatory problems. Other good news is that we caught a fish, a smallish blue fin tuna which will supplement our diet and we were also visited by a small pod of dolphins. The. read more...


Misty Mhor - Mhor Miseries Monday 22nd Nov
Misty Mhor - Mhor Miseries Monday 22nd Nov
Le Choix - Le Choix - Day 2 - Pancake Seas
Le Choix - Le Choix - Day 2 - Pancake Seas
22/11/2021

Maiko - Maiko Cape Verde to Grenada, day four

Our start from Mindelo was a lot more comfortable than our start from Las Palmas. Calm winds and small waves. We chose to go south to get steadier winds and hope this will pay off in the long run. We expect this part of our journey to last about 16 days. So far spirits are high and we have had several encounters with dolphins of different sizes and colors + see flying fishes all the time. Two jumped right into the boat last night. We work with a schedule of three hours on shift, then six hours off. This seems to be working well. - Linnimage1. read more...


Maiko - Maiko Cape Verde to Grenada, day four
Maiko - Maiko   Cape Verde to Grenada, day four
22/11/2021

Mary Doll - Day 1: A musical Start

After several weeks of preparation, the crew of Mary Doll were delighted to be piped out of Las Palmas marina to the sound of Flower of Scotland. Many thanks to John from Casamara for the trumpet solo, followed by our own stereo system. Seeing so many boats and well wishers on the shore made the reality of this adventure all the more poignant. We were all sporting the Mary Doll uniforms sourced by first mate Letitia. Very nautical it is too! We sent a short video of our departure back home to our sons Gordon and Murray who had been out to visit last week.Caroline. read more...


22/11/2021

Minga - El zarpe, primer día y primera noche - Minga

Ayer el zarpe e inicio de la regata fue simplemente un espectáculo. Como la Minga estaba fondeada a la salida de la marina, tuvimos una vista privilegiada y fuimos espectadores de la salida de los casi 150 barcos que iniciaron esta travesía.En el muelle, cientos de personas se acumularon con pañuelos, banderas y bocinas para despedir a la flota. Decidimos esperar hasta última hora para zarpar, nada ni nadie nos apura y queremos evitar una largada abarrotada de veleros yendo en todas direcciones. Esto es una maratón, no una largada de 100 metros. A eso de las 13:00 partimos con nuestra música oficial “Wonderful world, beautiful people”. Fue ahí donde el nerviosismo se hizo presente, pero sobre todo la alegría.A punto de hacer la largada oficial, uno de los plásticos que protege nuestra. read more...


Addictive Sailing - La Palma Volcano Addictive Sailing
Addictive Sailing - La Palma Volcano Addictive Sailing