We set off from Lanzarote on 17th of November. There was no wind so we motored to Fuerteventura and anchored overnight. Alex went for a swim next morning with a scrubbing brush and removed any weed from the waterline. We refuelled in Fuerteventura and finally set off on the Sunday evening. The wind was still very light so we bobbed around and didn't go far but we didn't want to use all our diesel at this early stage. We headed south for the Cape Verdes with...

Puerto Calero marina is much better than Marina Bay marina in Gibralta. Mooring is on a pontoon instead of bow (or stern depending on which way round you prefer) too. Hence no need for the dreaded paserelle (gang plank). The marina is quiet appart from a few party boats belonging to the Blue Water Rally and calm. The boat doesn't move, it feels as though we are on land, no waves slapping against the stern all night keeping me awake, I can sleep without ear ...

We left Gibraltar on the 28th of October. All the Blue water rally boats gathered off Europa point at 10am for the start of the rally, which was marked by a cannon firing.( See http://www.yachtrallies.co.uk for more pictures and news). The sea was very choppy and I was glad that I had taken stugeron. Once we got underway conditions became better and we had a downwind sail to Lanzarote. The wind was too light (10 to 15 knots most of the way) for us to go fast...

Gibraltar (week one) We arrived in Gibraltar on Tuesday (16th) a day late due to strong easterly winds in the straights of Gibraltar and rough seas. We didn't fancy motoring all the way with the wind right on the nose. We were in time to meet up with the rest of the Blue Water Rally for the party in the evening at the royal Gibraltar yacht club, (most of the boats are doing a circumnavigation together but we are only staying with them until Antigua).Ther...

We left Rota on Friday 12th and sailed about 35 miles further south east. We sailed half way then the wind dropped and we motored.We passed cape Trafalgar (we saw no ships, galleons or otherwise), however the sea became very choppy due to shallow water and wind over tide, the boat was pounding through with waves coming over the bow and rolling over the coach roof.Paul very unwisely choose this time to visit the toilet.Unfortunately the toilet hatch doesn't c...