We're delighted that we had a really good crossing from Porto Santo – 309 miles in just over 48 hours and the first 24 hours under sail delivered a very respectable 165 miles, probably our best yet in Maunie. A few days of those sort of speeds would be very welcome on the trans-Atlantic.
As predicted, the wind gradually died away last night and we started motoring at about 19.30. Thankfully the swell dropped away as well so we motorsailed without rolling so each of us got good sleep off watch and we both feel in reasonably good shape. Gomera looks fascinating – almost a perfect hemisphere with banana plantations cut in terrace in the lower slopes and rocky hills inland. The marina has a good reputation and seems well organised so we've spend the last couple of hours washing the salt off the boat and our waterproofs and enjoying a cheeky little beer in the very warm sunshine. Rafiki should be in fairly soon so we'll look forward to comparing notes.
Photos to follow once we get the wifi organised (a code purchased from the petrol station apparently).
I guess the water is getting warmer. Spare a thought for us sailing in the UK, brilliant sunny day but the Northerly gusty force 4 with an air temperature of 4 degrees was hard on the hands. Good luck, Steve
ReplyDeleteHi Steve
DeleteThe (Tenerife printed) edition of the Sunday Times has photos of people sledging in Northumberland so don't envy you the weather. Warm and humid here but definitely not the norm - another gale's heading our way!
Best wishes
Graham & Di
G&D,
ReplyDeleteAmazing heroics Madeira and to the Canaries, including ocean towing for your friends with the leaky engine!
La Gomera has a World Heritage ancient forest at the top of the mountains. Well worth hiring a car to go and enjoy the many beautiful walks, which are well organised. La Cueva restaurant at the western end of Playa de Santiago has great fish, gamy and different from what you would know in England.
Carlos & Sue
Hi Carlos & Susan
DeleteWell it certainly hasn't bee dull so far! Really looking forward to exploring the forest but at the moment it's in the clouds and the rain is sweaping into the harbour. Hopimng that tomorrow will be better to get up into the hills.
Thanks for the food tips - we ate really well last night in San Sebastian.
Best wishes
G&D