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.