23rd June 2005 - Lagos (Portugal) to Gibraltar
Posted at 5:10 PM, Friday, June 24, 2005
We decided to do this in one direct sail, knowing it was close to 200 miles and would take us 23 hours.
After a nice sobby farewell with those in the Rally Fleet we had got to know well - we asked for the Marina de Lagos to open the footbridge than closes off the marina one last time and motored out and away at 0900.
Lovely hot day - so we left up the bimini which has been desigend so we might sail with it erected. The hot morning sun proved the value in that design as we chugged on a heading of 110 degrees over the horizon eastward.
We played around with engine revs to establish consumption figures over the first 20 miles as thier was no wind to sail.
At 3,000 revs, our 7r hp Yanmar Turbo will give us 7.7 knots, but consume 1.5 litres per hour. So at that speed our tank of 260 litres will only allow us to cover 175 miles before we'd stop.
At 2,500 revs. we'll make 7 knots, and consume 1 litre per hour. So range 260 miles.
At 2,000 revs, we'll make 6.5 knots, and consume 0.7 litres per hour. So range 371 miles.
If we add on our reserve fule of 30 litres carried in black tanks in the lazerette - we at least know we could motor 400 miles if we ever needed to.
Will do lower rev trials some other windless day so we could plan more accurately our future fuel needs - but by 1200 a solid W/SW breeze came in - so up went the saisl and off we went.
A really romping afternoon sail saw us making good progress with help from a 0.7 knot tidal current working also in our direction.
The girls made up one hight watch and I did the other alone - if anything the wind built later arvo and early night - catching 9 knots at times with just main and headsail. Early pasta and salad evening meal and a nice sunset. As it went down - so did the breeze.
From 2100 to 2400 we sailed when we could, but mainly helped ourselves along with the engine also. Shortly after midnight, the breeze came back again, and we whooshed across the bay of Cadiz avoiding the many fishing vessels.
Only met one asshole on the way - a Spanish fishing boat playing chicken with us and realigning himself on a direct collision course irregardless of our own direction - and saying in pigeon english 'Can you seeeeee meeeee?'. Had to drive in circles to get away - great fun at 3 am on the ocean.
I coped for most of the night - the moon was huge (I was told yesterday the biggest it has been in 90 years) - but the girls took over at 0500 and when I awoke from my nap, we were approaching the Bay of Gibraltar with the Spain to our north, and the stunning Atlas mountains of Morocco to our south.
Checked in by customs etc close to the airport. Sheppards Marina is closed, Marina Quay next door was full, and we got the second the last berth available at Queensway Quay. Guess the only options left for anyone else arriving today would be to anchor off the runway - but even then there is no water taxi service! Typical.
Anyway - a shower - a full English breakfast at 1100 in the town - and an afternoon nap in the shade of the cockpit removed most of my grumpiness, Now it's time for a cold G&T and a restaurant meal after - and tomorrow should be an early start for Benalmadena (yup that's the right spelling).
Cost in Gib for a 46 footer overnight in June was £15.75 - plus 1p per litre for water - plus another low charge for electric units consumed.
Cheers
JOHN
The breeze did grow at by