Wednesday 30 December 2009
30 December, 2009 10:36
15 57 N 29 23 W heading west at around 6 kts yesterday 24 hr run 132nm-Seas still lumpy with swell 3 to 4 m-Lots of flying fish-4 on deck this morning. Charlie saw whale she thinks.
29 December, 2009 9:12:00
16 40N 26 46 W wind ne 20 kts making 6 to 7 kts 276 degrees seas boistrous with NW swell
Thursday 24 December 2009
Las Palmas Canaries to Mindelo Cape Verde 12 - 22 Dec 09
After refueling and checking out we made a cracking start sailing south down the eastern coast of Grand Canaria, setting the ships record at 9.6 kts. A ridge of high pressure had moved in to create an area of very little wind and it seemed best to head south to get through this in the shortest time. Only when 80 miles off the African coast did I start to make progress west.
During a watch change with Theo in the middle of the night a whale surfaced only a couple of boat lenghts off our port quarter. Made us both jump!It was probably interested to know what we were and popped up to breath and have a close look at us.
For the first time on this voyage we decided to tow a lure and within half an hour we had our first catch-a small dorado. It wasn't long before we had caught a 8-10 kg dorado which provided 4 main meals for the three of us.
The good sailing didn't last and with very little wind and difficult seas it was time to use the iron sail. When the wind returned it was the turn of the cruising chute to move us along and good progress was made for over 24 hours before a lack of wind meant more motoring. At ths point it was clear there would be very little wind until well south of Cape Verdes for the next several days so it was decided to make for the island of St Vincent, still some 140 miles to the south. One of the main islands was clearly visible at 50 nm. As we arrived off the islands at sunset, I decided to hove-to for the night rather than enter an unfamiliar harbour in the dark. Entering Mindelo the next morning I was surprised to find a new marina apparently opened last year. The WiFi signal is good enough for me to write this from the chart table!
The locals are very friendly, the weather warm and sunny and the music infectious. Fish is plentiful and very cheap, fresh vegitables are available and the beer isn't too bad. A good place to spend Christmas and wait for some good winds to take us west.
Friday 4 December 2009
Vilamoura to Las Palmas Canaries November 26 to 2 Dec 2009
We set off, planning to make for Madeira to avoid a large area of high pressure with near perfect wind from NW at 15 kts and made 50 nm in the first 10 hours despite increasingly large swell and confused seas. The wind then deserted us and after trying the large drifter sail which made little difference, we motored 60 miles to find the wind. At this point weather data received via the SSB radio on sailmail necessitated a change from the original planned destination to the Canaries.
Dolphins came to play and stayed with us riding the bow wave and having great fun together for half an hour. Theo captured the scene with his new very impressive camera as you might expect a budding film director would do. On most days dolphins would visit and the bigger the seas and the faster we sailed the more it seemed they enjoyed the encounter. Some rather lonely looking turtles difted by occasionally but not many birds were about.
Most of the time it was possible to maintain a course for the Canaries. The wind did vary from ENE to N, before settling at NNE at 15 t0 20 Kts gusting occaisionally to 28 kts. Given an inexperienced crew, the sail plan was modest with yankee, staysail and double reefed main, yet we were able make 6 to 7 kts despite the swell. Our best 24 hours was 130 nm during the passage of 654 nm.
The passage was a great introduction for Theo and Charlie before the much longer and testing Atlantic crossing. We are currently enjoying the warm weather and the company of a very interesting collection of sailors. Some minor repairs are being tackled and a review of food stocks and stowage is underway. We plan to visit a couple of the smaller western islands in the group before setting off for Trinidad. In all probability we shall enjoy Christmas at sea.
We set off, planning to make for Madeira to avoid a large area of high pressure with near perfect wind from NW at 15 kts and made 50 nm in the first 10 hours despite increasingly large swell and confused seas. The wind then deserted us and after trying the large drifter sail which made little difference, we motored 60 miles to find the wind. At this point weather data received via the SSB radio on sailmail necessitated a change from the original planned destination to the Canaries.
Dolphins came to play and stayed with us riding the bow wave and having great fun together for half an hour. Theo captured the scene with his new very impressive camera as you might expect a budding film director would do. On most days dolphins would visit and the bigger the seas and the faster we sailed the more it seemed they enjoyed the encounter. Some rather lonely looking turtles difted by occasionally but not many birds were about.
Most of the time it was possible to maintain a course for the Canaries. The wind did vary from ENE to N, before settling at NNE at 15 t0 20 Kts gusting occaisionally to 28 kts. Given an inexperienced crew, the sail plan was modest with yankee, staysail and double reefed main, yet we were able make 6 to 7 kts despite the swell. Our best 24 hours was 130 nm during the passage of 654 nm.
The passage was a great introduction for Theo and Charlie before the much longer and testing Atlantic crossing. We are currently enjoying the warm weather and the company of a very interesting collection of sailors. Some minor repairs are being tackled and a review of food stocks and stowage is underway. We plan to visit a couple of the smaller western islands in the group before setting off for Trinidad. In all probability we shall enjoy Christmas at sea.
Thursday 19 November 2009
Cascais to Vilamoura 12 to 14 Nov 09
Athough conditions were very well suited to continue south, I put in to Cascais to have the new main repaired, as the luff rope fittings were chafing the rope and repeatedly causing it to break. I also was keen to meet up with friends who live close to Cascais. It was also here that Delphine departed and Charlie joined.
The passage of Atlantic lows once more influenced the departure date and this time conditions were not that good but with a swell of up to 8 meters predicted to move down the Portugese coast in the next few days, it was best to head south ahead of it.
We set off in light winds to cross the mouth of the Tagus. It seems every headland is there to impose its will and Capes Especial and St Vincent certainly did that. For most of the passage the sea state was very confused with a NW swell competing with one being generated by a SE wind. The iron sail was again needed from time to time to keep up a steady progress. Once round Cape St Vincent it was noticeably warmer and as we progressed east the sea state improved until it was virtually flat. There were jobs to be done that needed Plane Song to be alongside so the plan to anchor near Faro was changed for a berth at Vilamoura marina. It is so large that a water taxi is needed to get about!
Mary joined me on my birthday, the best present I could have wished for. She brought with her the numerous things I discovered I could not exist without, including a new laptop-thank you Bill for helping out! Shortly after Mary leaves my nephew Theo arrives and we will be looking for some fair winds to take us south to the Canaries.
Athough conditions were very well suited to continue south, I put in to Cascais to have the new main repaired, as the luff rope fittings were chafing the rope and repeatedly causing it to break. I also was keen to meet up with friends who live close to Cascais. It was also here that Delphine departed and Charlie joined.
The passage of Atlantic lows once more influenced the departure date and this time conditions were not that good but with a swell of up to 8 meters predicted to move down the Portugese coast in the next few days, it was best to head south ahead of it.
We set off in light winds to cross the mouth of the Tagus. It seems every headland is there to impose its will and Capes Especial and St Vincent certainly did that. For most of the passage the sea state was very confused with a NW swell competing with one being generated by a SE wind. The iron sail was again needed from time to time to keep up a steady progress. Once round Cape St Vincent it was noticeably warmer and as we progressed east the sea state improved until it was virtually flat. There were jobs to be done that needed Plane Song to be alongside so the plan to anchor near Faro was changed for a berth at Vilamoura marina. It is so large that a water taxi is needed to get about!
Mary joined me on my birthday, the best present I could have wished for. She brought with her the numerous things I discovered I could not exist without, including a new laptop-thank you Bill for helping out! Shortly after Mary leaves my nephew Theo arrives and we will be looking for some fair winds to take us south to the Canaries.
Thursday 5 November 2009
Bayona to Cascais
There are few better places to wait for the right weather than Bayona and the sailing club once again lived up to its outstanding reputation. We were not the only ones waiting to head south as several French boats arrived with varying tales of their exploits crossing Biscay. The passage weather site predicted the wind would go north sunday afternoon and stay that way at 15 to 20 kts for the next 4 days. As the flags on the fort moved round so did we to refuel and head out into heavy seas as we cleared the harbour mole with intense rain for a bonus.
Once clear of the offshore rocks, we made rapid progress with full main and working jib, a deliberate choice of to allow for stronger winds during the night. Rather than run dead down wind, always a difficult point of sail but more so in the heavy swell we encountered, I decided to tack either side of the wind line with the going tack only 15 to 25 degrees from the desired heading. In the first 24 hrs 138 nm were covered. Most of the time we could see the lights on the coast and I was struck by the immense waste of energy involved in lighting empty streets.
South of Peniche it was possible to make a long reach down the coast and pass very close to Cabo Roca, the furthest point west in Europe, and despite a good sea state and 15kts of wind the cape still managed a reminder to exercise caution rounding this cape by way of an extra 10 kts of wind and some rough seas. Soon after we were checking in at the marina at Cascais having sailed the 238 nm in 38 hours. I am pleased to have made it to the 38th parallel and hope for some easier sailing as I head south. Had I not been able to set off as the wind went north, the swell from a severe gale pounding the UK was predicted within a few days to increase to 6 to 9 metres along the Portugese coast.
Lots of dolphins came to play and seemed to enjoy diving under the hull when it was being elbowed about in the swell at 7 kts.
Now its time to sort out some minor problems and prepare to move down to southern Portugal.
Once clear of the offshore rocks, we made rapid progress with full main and working jib, a deliberate choice of to allow for stronger winds during the night. Rather than run dead down wind, always a difficult point of sail but more so in the heavy swell we encountered, I decided to tack either side of the wind line with the going tack only 15 to 25 degrees from the desired heading. In the first 24 hrs 138 nm were covered. Most of the time we could see the lights on the coast and I was struck by the immense waste of energy involved in lighting empty streets.
South of Peniche it was possible to make a long reach down the coast and pass very close to Cabo Roca, the furthest point west in Europe, and despite a good sea state and 15kts of wind the cape still managed a reminder to exercise caution rounding this cape by way of an extra 10 kts of wind and some rough seas. Soon after we were checking in at the marina at Cascais having sailed the 238 nm in 38 hours. I am pleased to have made it to the 38th parallel and hope for some easier sailing as I head south. Had I not been able to set off as the wind went north, the swell from a severe gale pounding the UK was predicted within a few days to increase to 6 to 9 metres along the Portugese coast.
Lots of dolphins came to play and seemed to enjoy diving under the hull when it was being elbowed about in the swell at 7 kts.
Now its time to sort out some minor problems and prepare to move down to southern Portugal.
Friday 30 October 2009
Concarneau to Bayona NW Spain
After a week of waiting for suitable weather the prospect of 4 to 5 days without near gales arrived and we set off the afternoon of 24 October. The intention was to get round Cape Finisterre but failing that La Coruna would do. Strong westertly winds made for a cracking start and 70 miles were covered in the first 12 hours. It was not to last and on the second day motor sailing was necessary in very light winds. When the wind returned it was from the SSE which was just what was needed and at times Plane Song was broard reaching at over 7 knots as the wind increased on what was by now a relatively good sea state. Within sight of the Spanish coast the wind died away and the first of a few fog patches made for interesting progress. The new radar was an essential tool.
At this point it was very tempting to head into La Coruna now abeam but given the good sea state and light winds it seemed best to get around the Cape which can be a real barrier especially at this time of the year. So the iron sail helped progress all the way to Bayona where we arrived in warm sunshine the afternoon of 28 October to moor at the fabulous yacht club.
One of the delights of the night pasages for me was the amazing night sky and to see shooting stars so clearly. On one 3 hour watch I saw 5, one of which left a sparkling trail behind it. Dolphins came at times but were no too interested when the engine was on. A small unidentified bird, not a seabird, came aboard twice for a rest-fate unknown.
The next passage is to Cascais in Portugal where I think the Atlantic lows will be less inclined to disturb progress
After a week of waiting for suitable weather the prospect of 4 to 5 days without near gales arrived and we set off the afternoon of 24 October. The intention was to get round Cape Finisterre but failing that La Coruna would do. Strong westertly winds made for a cracking start and 70 miles were covered in the first 12 hours. It was not to last and on the second day motor sailing was necessary in very light winds. When the wind returned it was from the SSE which was just what was needed and at times Plane Song was broard reaching at over 7 knots as the wind increased on what was by now a relatively good sea state. Within sight of the Spanish coast the wind died away and the first of a few fog patches made for interesting progress. The new radar was an essential tool.
At this point it was very tempting to head into La Coruna now abeam but given the good sea state and light winds it seemed best to get around the Cape which can be a real barrier especially at this time of the year. So the iron sail helped progress all the way to Bayona where we arrived in warm sunshine the afternoon of 28 October to moor at the fabulous yacht club.
One of the delights of the night pasages for me was the amazing night sky and to see shooting stars so clearly. On one 3 hour watch I saw 5, one of which left a sparkling trail behind it. Dolphins came at times but were no too interested when the engine was on. A small unidentified bird, not a seabird, came aboard twice for a rest-fate unknown.
The next passage is to Cascais in Portugal where I think the Atlantic lows will be less inclined to disturb progress
Sunday 18 October 2009
Falmouth South
After an overnight stay in Falmouth we set off south with a possible weather window to cross Biscay. The iron sail was needed for the first few hours before a moderate breeze had us making good progress under sail. I elected to go outside Quessant as in the prospect of riding the Chanal du Four a night had no appeal. By the next day when we were just south of the TSS grib files downloaded from sailmail made it clear we needed to pause before heading out into Biscay.
The best option then was to make for Concarneau but it was a real struggle to make progress against strong winds, choppy seas and an increasingly strong tide. We put into the little port at the entrance to Audierne. Here I discovered a genoa sheet car had come appart with a vital screw missing for which I had no replacement. This meant it was necessary to make for Conarneau where we arrived late afternoon 16 Oct and in the event missed a good weather window to cross the Bay. Car now repaired we await another window which is not a real hardship in this wonderful town.
After an overnight stay in Falmouth we set off south with a possible weather window to cross Biscay. The iron sail was needed for the first few hours before a moderate breeze had us making good progress under sail. I elected to go outside Quessant as in the prospect of riding the Chanal du Four a night had no appeal. By the next day when we were just south of the TSS grib files downloaded from sailmail made it clear we needed to pause before heading out into Biscay.
The best option then was to make for Concarneau but it was a real struggle to make progress against strong winds, choppy seas and an increasingly strong tide. We put into the little port at the entrance to Audierne. Here I discovered a genoa sheet car had come appart with a vital screw missing for which I had no replacement. This meant it was necessary to make for Conarneau where we arrived late afternoon 16 Oct and in the event missed a good weather window to cross the Bay. Car now repaired we await another window which is not a real hardship in this wonderful town.
Exmouth to Falmouth
Delphine Holman joined ship at Exmouth and on 7 Oct 09 we made the short passage to Torquay where the water tanks were flushed and refilled. After another short sail in perfect conditions the following day we picked up a mooring at the Royal Western Yacht club Plymouth, conveniently on the water taxi route to the Mayflower steps. Two days later we set off for Falmouth in pretty testing conditions with 25 kts on the nose and short choppy seas. By the time we were off Fowey we had had enough and put in there for the night. The next day brought more lovely weather and after testing the cruising chute we made Falmouth late afternoon picking up a visitors buoy for the night-no run ashore as the water taxi stopped running at the beginning of he month.
Delphine Holman joined ship at Exmouth and on 7 Oct 09 we made the short passage to Torquay where the water tanks were flushed and refilled. After another short sail in perfect conditions the following day we picked up a mooring at the Royal Western Yacht club Plymouth, conveniently on the water taxi route to the Mayflower steps. Two days later we set off for Falmouth in pretty testing conditions with 25 kts on the nose and short choppy seas. By the time we were off Fowey we had had enough and put in there for the night. The next day brought more lovely weather and after testing the cruising chute we made Falmouth late afternoon picking up a visitors buoy for the night-no run ashore as the water taxi stopped running at the beginning of he month.
Friday 2 October 2009
Progress
The weather and crew availability limited sea trials a bit but we are now loaded up and ready to go. A long fine spell of fine weather is now ending so I am waiting a window of opportunity before setting off with my new but very experienced crew. We will have a gentle introduction via Brixham, Plymouth and perhaps Falmouth before heading south.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
Refit and Preparations
Plane Song's refit is nearing completion. Launch date set for August 2009.
If you would like to read an article I wrote for the Cruising Association discribing why I bought the Shannon 38 please click here.
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