Sep. 5, 2007 - We're off!
Were off, the next chapter in our lives and looking forward to all the challenges and aspirations we know it will hold. Arriving at the boat Nige and Norm do the boats bits new loo installation, kedge anchor chain etc and Tor/Norm then attack the local supermarket for supplies before the off.
Left Ayemonte at 9 am no wind so motored 55 miles arriving Chipiona 09.40 - shower, paella and bed by midnight.
Calm before storm off Barbate
Up at 6.40 am for Barbate with yet again no wind until, as if by magic, the wind arrived in impressive fashion reaching Force 7 eek. Struggled to round Cape Trafalgar (did Nelson have this problem we ask ourselves) 6 hours of slogging it with winds up to 30 knots. Not helped by the fact that the hatches were open when we were caught out by the wind and our bedding was as sodden as we were. No chundering though impressive for Tors initiation into battling with the elements! Wedging ourselves against the seating looking 8 down vertically into the murky water of a heeling boat brought the last scene of Titanic to mind but with no Leonardo de Caprico on board I guess Nige and Norm just had to do!
Finally arrived in Barbate at 11.30 looking like cold, drowned rats in need of a hot shower c/o a kindly security guard who opened up the shower blocks for us, food c/o Asda Thai green chicken curry and a warm bed by 1.30 am.
Rounding Tarifa
After a late morning stocking up on supplies and Nige putting boat back together again, we were relieved to learn of a favourable forecast and decided to bite the bullet and head for the Strait of Gib. Yet more wind on the nose forcing us under motor yet again. Rounded Tarifa by 7.00 p.m. with chilli supper on deck and into the Strait. Decided to push on through the night for our first nightime passage. Norm/Tor on first watch approaching the Rock enhanced by the company of a pod of dolphins, numerous tankers along the shipping line and a very bright moon and stars. The Rock looked impressive illuminated against the darkness. Disaster struck at 0.600 when, after making good progess through the night suddenly the engine died - quickly identified as lack of fuel. So some 15 miles off shore with no wind and stupidly an empty spare can (what use is that!) we had to sit and wait before Norm made a commando style raid in our virgin tender (with oars) on a small harbour for sufficient fuel for us to reach Fuengirola and returning triumphant (with outboard humming).To top it all the new loos pump broke which for Tor, with 2 men on board, was not ideal. Peeing no probs but ..... give me two corks!! Bled engine and put in precious diesel finally arriving at 5 pm. Refuelled immediately including spare can! Spent a pleasant evening in marina restaurant watching the great British ex-pat community at their worst with East Enders on the tv! Oh joy ....
Leaving Fuengirola now and guess what, wind light and still OTFN!!
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