Bayona to Las Palmas
The Gibraltar Sailing Team set off from Bayona at 0730 on Sunday morning. After a foggy start, the wind filled in and the sun came out, they were soon charging along at 8 knots+ with a full kite and main.
The good times didn’t last and a long run on the engine took them into Cascais by Monday evening. After a brisk stop for fuel, Gaz and water they set off for Madeira into a fresh Northerly breeze, this died away by dawn, causing the iron topsail to be set again.
A quote from the late Lord Nelson:
“Once past Gibraltar every man is a bachelor. What will tropical warmth, unscrupulous young women, fixed habits of eating too much and high animal spirits accomplish?â€
A Dangerous Situation Unfolds
Whilst taking a call of nature over the side, Geoff spotted a line trailing from the keel!! We came hove too and tried all the text book methods of sailing backwards etc to try and free the offending line….to no avail… Only one option remained! With a mask line and knife Dave dived down to the bulb to cut the rope free, after a few minutes he surfaced requesting a hacksaw and not looking too pleased with the situation. When he resurfaced he had the remains of an old lobster pot and a line extending for miles.
Once back on board he shared with us the extent of the damage….The line whilst being dragged along had started to cut into the lead and filler on the keels bulb, leaving a large gash, liken to hitting a reef at speed .
This along with the now freshening Westerly wind resulting in a beat to Madeira, prompted the decision to alter course directly to The Canaries to enable repairs, much to the delight of Geoff who had previously stated “that Gentlemen don’t go to windwardâ€.
