We said goodbye to Peter, Selina and Brian. They were all flying to Edinburgh, Selina and Brian were staying at Peter’s flat and then flying on to Jersey. Believe it or not the cheapest way for them to get from Barcelona to Jersey. It has been fun having them on board and we are sad to see them go.
Very sadly too we said goodbye to our skipper Paul who has been a great help and we have spent many an evening telling boating stories. We have learnt a lot and will miss him.
So guys we are on our own now!
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Thursday 28th August
We pulled up the anchor headed for Barcelona. Approaching Barcelona we were approached by a motor cruiser who crossed our path and swerved in front of us. We read on the side Garde Civilia and we realised they wanted to board us but after staring at us waved us on. We refuelled and moored in the marina in the middle of the city.
Arriving in Barcelona
Wednesday 27th August
We decided to spend a night at anchor and found a protected anchorage halfway between Valencia and Barcelona. It was a strange place called Puerto de los Alfaques and had a salt marsh. We swam and played with the jet rib and jet ski.
We lent Paul some shorts and for the first time on the trip we saw his legs and he too had a go on the jet ski. Yvonne and Stephanie had a go as well, it was great fun.
In the evening the sea was like glass and we had more fun and ate again on the fly bridge.
Yvonne on Jet Ski
Philip on Jet Ski
Stephanie on Jet Ski
John on Jet Ski
Tuesday 26th August
We left early at 7.15am. We passed Benidorm and we noticed a judder on the propeller and suspected that we had something around the prop.
We passed Moraira and saw Bob and Suzannes’ house. It all looked very attractive with the Rock Calpe.
We passed Moraira and saw Bob and Suzannes’ house. It all looked very attractive with the Rock Calpe.
We anchored just before Valencia and had a swim but it was too choppy to play with the toys so we headed in to Valencia.
We organised a diver and he found a rope around the port prop.
We explored the town, the temperature was 35 Celcius.
Brian barbequed chicken and ribs and we ate on the top deck, it was lovely in the warm breeze.
Monday 25th August
The marina was quite deserted so Philip did some practicing going in and out of the pontoons. We left for Alicante, the sea was very calm and we were all in swimming costumes. We anchored by the beach in front of Alicante and then we swam and played with the jet rib and jet ski.
Sunday 24th August
We decided that we would have one more long day of motoring to get us further along the coast and Philip and Paul bravely offered to get up at 3.15 am and they set off at 3.40 am.
When we emerged at 8.oo am the air was hot and the sea smooth. We were motoring at about 21 knots to conserve fuel on our way to Cartagena. This leg of the journey we saw whales, dolphins, flying fish and swordfish.
At about lunchtime the swell increased and we were heading into it. We arrived at 3.30 pm. We were tired but very relieved that from now on its just short hops with lots of play time.
Pre dinner drinks.
When we emerged at 8.oo am the air was hot and the sea smooth. We were motoring at about 21 knots to conserve fuel on our way to Cartagena. This leg of the journey we saw whales, dolphins, flying fish and swordfish.
At about lunchtime the swell increased and we were heading into it. We arrived at 3.30 pm. We were tired but very relieved that from now on its just short hops with lots of play time.
Pre dinner drinks.
Crew at rest......Crew at work
Saturday 23rd August
We motored for 20 minutes to Soto Grande. This is the first experience of Mediterranean mooring which is taking ropes to take to the bow and tying on. These ropes are disgusting, covered in mud and barnacles. Then tie the stern to the wall and cross spring the stern to prevent lateral movement. I realised that Philip’s ability to get the boat into smaller and yet smaller spaces had come on a pace. The Fairline agent had been arranged to come aboard to fit a new engine room fan.
The weather was glorious and we took the jet rib to a nearby beach and had lots of fun swimming and sunbathing.
We ate that night in a Chinese restaurant that we had eaten in eight years ago. We were really excited that we were in the med but were very aware that there was still a long way to go to Beaulieu.
Friday 22nd August
We left at 7.20am for Gibraltar. The forecast was northerly 5 to 6 occasionally 7 in the east which is where we are heading. The sea at first was very calm but after 40 minutes the sea became moderate to rather rough with a short chop and swell on the beam. The wind was strong for about an hour and then everything was calm again. Then the Levanter wind blew which builds up through the Straits of Gibraltar, this was a very strange wind which sounded really strong from the east but the sea had a short chop. As we headed into Gibraltar at about 2.00 pm the wind calmed and very hot air hit us.
Thursday 21st August
The forecast would you believe it was for northerly wind force 4 to 5 occasionally 6 in the east. Not good but at least the wind was behind us. We left at 07.45am and it was 64 miles to Cape St. Vincent.
We rounded the Cape very close in and the scenery was stunning. People were fishing 300 ft up from the top of the cliffs. We wondered what happened when they caught a fish!
It still felt cold for the time of year. We headed into Vilamoura. A very efficient marina and lots of restaurants, it reminded me of a mini Puerto Banus.
Philip and Yvonne’s friends Mike and Linda had been waiting there for a week hoping to join us for part of the voyage but unfortunately because of all the delays they only had one day left. At least we managed dinner with them that night at a good restaurant called the Mayflower.
Wednesday 20th August
Leaving Bayona at dawn.It was Yvonne’s birthday and after present opening we set off for Cascais at first light. It was a northerly force 4 or 5 occasionally 6 but with the wind behind us it felt great and we maintained a steady speed.
We saw many dolphins and became expert at identifying where they were by the flock of birds above the sea. The dolphins were chasing the fish to the surface. The sun shone and everyone was happy that we were making good progress arriving at 17.15.
Peter, Philip and Yvonne’s son joined us. He had flown to Faro and hired a car to drive to Cascais.
That evening we had the most awful meal at a restaurant in the town called the John Bull.
Tuesday 19th August
We set off at 7.30am in the hope this time to make it round Finisterre. The seas were grey and there was plenty of cloud. The forecast 
was SW 4 to 5 decreasing variable 3 to 4. As we headed out we soon encountered an enormous swell of 30ft but there were no white horses and Saltire was coping well. We were not in any danger but it was quite frightening. The corner is much longer than you might think and it seemed to take forever. We were down to 12 knots in places. We arrived in Bayona at 16.15 and were very relieved. Our Skipper Paul said that he had never had such continuously bad conditions rounding Finisterre.
was SW 4 to 5 decreasing variable 3 to 4. As we headed out we soon encountered an enormous swell of 30ft but there were no white horses and Saltire was coping well. We were not in any danger but it was quite frightening. The corner is much longer than you might think and it seemed to take forever. We were down to 12 knots in places. We arrived in Bayona at 16.15 and were very relieved. Our Skipper Paul said that he had never had such continuously bad conditions rounding Finisterre.Swell rounding Finisterre
We went to the yacht club for dinner, it was still cold for the time of year.
Bayona Yacht Club
Monday 18th August
We set off early at 3.30am in the hope of rounding Finisterre. Unfortunately the rough head on seas meant we had to creep up the coast.
The forecast for Fitzroy was West force 8 in the north and 4 to 5 in the south. We were in a force 6 and we knew we could not round Finesterre so diverted to Viviero.
The marina was full and we anchored in the sheltered bay outside. This is where a water maker really comes into its own and we were very pleased to have it. We also were able to take on more food supplies with a very handy large supermarket at the port.
The forecast for Fitzroy was West force 8 in the north and 4 to 5 in the south. We were in a force 6 and we knew we could not round Finesterre so diverted to Viviero.
The marina was full and we anchored in the sheltered bay outside. This is where a water maker really comes into its own and we were very pleased to have it. We also were able to take on more food supplies with a very handy large supermarket at the port.
Sunday 17th August
Early start from Gijon.We awoke to clear skys and sunshine and we were at last in T Shirts and Shorts. While the boys refuelled Yvonne and I set off to find some fresh food supplies but soon discovered nothing is open on a Sunday in northern Spain. Even the small Marina shop was closed above the fuelling Berth but there was a drinks machine. We fed in 1 euro 20 and out popped a can but further insertions gave no results. We decided it needed a good kick. Yvonne stood guard watching the road while I kicked without result and then we swopped over. I turned around to see the man refuelling the boat looking up very horrified as it was his machine! He was ok and even refunded our money.
We set off for la Carunna. Conditions seemed perfect and we slapped on the the sun cream. We noticed the sea becoming more agitated and a warning of an imminent gale force 8 came over the radio. We seemed jinxed! We diverted to Gijon. We had another cosy meal on board of Prawns with Chilli Sauce and Yvonne’s delicious pork Stroganoff.
Saturday 16th August
The forecast was better, Southerly 4 to 5 veering Westerly 6 from the Met Office at first and XC weather giving force 3. We were off to Spain!
We refuelled on the very efficient system of two pumps, one for each side and checking everything was stowed, off we went. It was a grey sky and the sea did not look very inviting. We set course for Gijon 245 miles to go! We had to travel at 10 to 12 knots to conserve fuel for the long leg of the trip. One hundred miles out there was no sign of the force 3 in fact the wind had increased to force 7. Moving around the boat was difficult, we were in a very confused swell with white horses on the top and spray flying up to the fly bridge where I had decided to sit. Poor Philip succumbed to Mal de Mer after going below to get an indigestion tablet. A bilge alarm sounded so John went to Philip’s cabin to investigate. The alarm was soon sorted, the mercury switch had been bounced around too much, so had Philip!
We decided to change course for Santander which meant that the sea was on the starboard bow rather than the nose and it was a touch more comfortable. We were amazed that the seagulls were following the boat so far from land and we saw whales blowing which helped pass the time.
We were very pleased to arrive although very disappointed in the weather which was pouring with rain and cold. A late night snack and straight to bed.
Friday 15th August
We set off at 7.00am to Benodet to refuel ready to cross the Bay of Biscay. It was sunny but very cold for the time of year and the sea slight. Unfortunately the forecast for Biscay was NW 5 to 7 backing southerly so we decided to head for La Rochelle instead. At least if we were going to be delayed it was a great place to be. We ate Stephanie’s Cowboy pie on board and retired early.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Day one again 14th August 2008
The adventure begins, we left Elizabeth marina at 0730. The swell was still 5'and the wind South Westerly force 5 and we were heading straight into it. We decided to wait in St. Brelade's Bay for the wind to die down. Well done Jersey Met, as forecasted it all happened and we set off at 12.30. The sea became slight and we decided to head into Camaret Sur Mer at 1900 as the lure of a good French meal had become too hard to resist.
Plates of fresh langoustine, confit of duck, salmon and bass followed by spectacular sweets did not disappoint at the Hotel du Styvel. We all slept well that night.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Day One - 11 August 2008
We had hoped to set off on Sunday 10th August with Philip and Yvonne Lunnon, the owners of Saltire, however the southwesterly force 6 wind put a stop to that. We visited the met office and they showed us that there was a slight possbility of a window of calm weather on Monday.
Paul Merrit who is the skipper organised by Fairline arrived on the last flight sunday evening and after picking him up we shared a glass or two of wine while we all got to know each other. We moved Saltire to the Albert Quay at 11.00 pm sunday evening in preparation for an early start.
First impressions of crewing on such a large boat are that the ropes are much heavier and there is further to walk up the sides of the boat. There is an electric winch which helps enormously and fairleads to slide the ropes through. Thank heavens we packed sailing gloves to protect our paws!
We set off at about 7.30 on monday morning for Lorient to a grey sky and westerly force 4. We were hopeful it would be ok. Unfortunately the wind picked up and the swell increased to 5' to 6 ', Saltire was coping well but with the wind due to back southerly it did not bode well for turning the corner around Ushant into North Biscay so we took the decision to abandon until the end of the week when the forecast looked better.
Shortly after turning around we saw the Commodore Goodwill burying its bow into the swell and we realised we had made the right decision. Also a few minor faults had shown up and it was an opportunity for Fairline to come aboard and rectify them.
Paul Merrit who is the skipper organised by Fairline arrived on the last flight sunday evening and after picking him up we shared a glass or two of wine while we all got to know each other. We moved Saltire to the Albert Quay at 11.00 pm sunday evening in preparation for an early start.
First impressions of crewing on such a large boat are that the ropes are much heavier and there is further to walk up the sides of the boat. There is an electric winch which helps enormously and fairleads to slide the ropes through. Thank heavens we packed sailing gloves to protect our paws!
We set off at about 7.30 on monday morning for Lorient to a grey sky and westerly force 4. We were hopeful it would be ok. Unfortunately the wind picked up and the swell increased to 5' to 6 ', Saltire was coping well but with the wind due to back southerly it did not bode well for turning the corner around Ushant into North Biscay so we took the decision to abandon until the end of the week when the forecast looked better.
Shortly after turning around we saw the Commodore Goodwill burying its bow into the swell and we realised we had made the right decision. Also a few minor faults had shown up and it was an opportunity for Fairline to come aboard and rectify them.
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