Preparing to leave

Last week we took a little sail over to Fuerteventura. We felt as though we had not moved from the east coast of Tenerife for a while [we hadn’t]. The wind looked ok and apparently would go round to the NE for our sail back. We had a good sail over.It was great to be back out on the water. We had brisk wind and were making good time. Chewsy was behaving well. No crew [me] seasickness, but I did eat a lot of biscuits. We left Tenerife about lunchtime. We expected the sail to take about 24 hours, so leaving at about 12:30 meant if we had a quicker trip than expected we would still arrive in the daylight. This is always useful when going into an unknown anchorage, and was a tip passed onto us by Americans Dick and Moira, sailing Equinox, a westerly corsair.

My 7pm night watchcoincided with darkness and crossing the Gran Canarian traffic separationscheme. My head felt as though it was on a swivel there was so much traffic. Istill have problems with light identification though I am getting better.Anyway I was very relieved that I only needed to call Steve a couple of times.Captains need their sleep. We had an uneventful trip over with one reef in themain and the genoa in and out as the wind changed. We ghosted inshore along thesouth east coast of Fuerteventura for a few hours aiming for Gran Tarrajal, whichhad a marina and good anchorage outside. We anchored in 5 metres over sand ataround 10 am. We stayed on board enjoying the rest and watching the activity onthe beach. The only downside was the noise from the resort opposite. There wasconstant noise, music, shouting via loudspeakers, which only stopped after 4am.Good job we were really tired. Anyway next morning we went ashore got bread andmeat and left for a quick genoa run down the coast [all 2.5 miles] to anotheranchorage, much more peaceful, but a bit rolly. Strange how this doesn’t affectme anymore. We did this the next day as well. 2.5 miles down the coast andanother nice anchorage, not as sheltered though.

We left on Sunday to return to Tenerife. However the wind direction and strength had other ideas.Its no fun beating, especially when its not even sunny and warm. A quick look at the chart directed us to Morro Jable, a small marina that recommended booking first. No time to do that!!. As luck would have it a French boat was leaving ? as we were coming in so we had a berth, albeit a short one. What a lovely place, or was it that we were just ready to break our journey. The marina was nothing to write home about but it was friendly, and the village was easily accessible with plenty of shops and bars. 

After a very good nights sleep we left the next morning to return to Santa Cruz and pick up the dinghy engine.The return trip was uneventful, but with inconsistent wind both in speed and direction, and the inevitable traffic separation schemes that always keep you on your toes. The light winds towards Tenerife meant we arrived at the marina in daylight.

After berthing, we set to and scrubbed the whole boat, decks, winches, lines, stainless steel, the lot. The salt needed to be washed off. Can’t imagine what she will be like when we arrive in the Caribbean. After that comes the laundry. By the time we get home it would probably have been more economical to have bought a marine washing machine!!

Laundry still needs doing

The marina now has a different feel about it. It is almost full with boats of all shapes and sizes.Crew are arriving daily with huge rucksacks, sails are up and down, people up the mast checking rigging etc. Sailmakers, and riggers are everywhere. Food deliveries arrive regularly, the diesel tanker arrives and fills up containers on the pontoon. Everywhere there is an air of expectation. Not many boats are leaving just yet though. Within the next couple of weeks they will start filtering out making either straight for the Caribbean, or west to Gomera or El Hierro, or South to the Cape Verdes. Every captain has his own idea, and his own agenda.

                                                                                                                                                                                 As for us, we have had the food delivery, and Steve has been up the mast to check the rig and also put some chaff preventers on the spreaders and parts of the rig. All looks ok.

We needed a few bits and pieces. Home delivery - a smart move

We still have problems getting the weather reports via sat phone. It’s now giving us sleepless nights and is a real worry. Last ditch attempts today including going  asking for help among other cruisers, and maybe ringing mailsail for advice.

After leaving the canaries we may be quiet for a while. We plan to leave for the Cape Verdes within the next week. The weather will dictate when. We do not know what email facilities await us as we travel south and west, but I shall update the blog as and when we are able. 

Thank you to everyone who puts comments on the blog. Its great to get your feedback and your news as well.