August still
Well what a good sail ! Which ended anchoring off the marina at Praia de Vittoria for a couple of days. This was when we realised that the genny problem was still with us! And the gas finally ran out. It was easier to move into the marina to get a refill and be able to access the shops for fresh veg etc. It also meant that Malcolm could begin testing again. He had got to the last lead and found an earth leak where a well insulated wire had rubbed right through to the metal casing and was causing a short. This was easily repaired and since the guy who helped us was having a look at Roakaldais he came over and added a few cable ties Yes ! Otto & Ester arrived on the Monday and had a meal with us which was preceded by a bottle of Champagne to celebrate ‘Piano’s birthday. They are returning to Lisbon en route for Greece where Otto will be doing a cargo run for 6 weeks to help a friend of his out. (Otto is a real Captain—but semi retired. Esther is going along for a holiday! We hope to meet up with them later in the year either in Rabbat or the Canaries.
The following day a German registered Halberg Wrasse 39. With Ziggi and Leila aboard. They were en route for the north after 10 years blue water sailing. Naturally we picked their brains over places which they recommended and would avoid over dinner and drinks. Thanks to both for their valuable experience.
Next day 17.35 We decided to slip for Sao Miguel the last Island on our list for the summer. We had another good sail (by which I mean no motoring), marred by one tiny problem. To set the scene : We slipped late afternoon so that we would arrive during daylight hours. We powered along at up to 7 knots in a sou’westerly breeze. After dinner Malcolm left me on watch and I was intrepid! Not noticing that the wind had filled in and with it some horrible showers. He must have been asleep because the next I knew he was peeking his nose on deck and suggesting that we ought to ‘reef’. OK good call (spoil my fun) it could have continued increasing …..
He asked the auto pilot to drive while we attended to the reef and it must have been drenched by rain because it just gave up ! A little cursing and after the sail change I was allowed to bed. I asked if he was going to steer by hand and he said no the auto pilot was functioning but not out on deck.
He 'woke me at 0300 for my next watch and by then it was working above deck again. I found this out when I asked it to change course a wee bit and it did as it was told. However now that it has failed twice under needy conditions Malcolm is determined to sort it out so that will be the boat job for Ponta Del Gada.
Arrived Ponta Del Gada 13.30 and now I’m keen that was 90 nautical miles in 19 hours so an average of 4.75 kts. (remembering I did 7’s on my watch please!)
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