An old friend, Steve, contacted me earlier this year asking if I could get him to Yachtmaster Offshore standard over the next 18 months – 2 years. His previous experience and career as a pilot are going to see him in good stead. He’s working through Day Skipper theory for starters and we are arranging a practical weekend every month on Gilken over the summer months of 2026. So far its been a hoot and I’m very confident we can get him his YM Offshore with flying colours as progress continues.
Instructing for BRNC Dartmouth this week on Martlet (Contessa 38) with Galahad sharing space with a fairly chunky fishing boat. We’re locking back into Sutton Harbour, Plymouth after a night exercise looking at Plymouths’ nav sector lights. Chilly , but fun. And great crew as always..
Amazing lady!
Sailing down to Falmouth this summer we were honoured to have these lovely characters join us for a bit of fun. They stayed with us ducking, diving and generally having a whale of a time (sorry!)
The sun sets shortly after rounding Lands End on our way to Dublin. The temperature would start to plummet soon and the wind build to a lovely F5 from the NE
All sailors worth their salt should be comfortable with conducting their own rig check. Here I am checking a re-rig in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria prior to delivering the yacht via Madeira to Portugal and ultimately the UK. Just remember to only use climbing equipment that is in tip-top condition (preferably your own), use two halyards and thoroughly brief crew involved in the hoisting! Clear communication is vital.
Be methodical, nothing can should be rushed or hurried. Remember, this is going to be your best opportunity to cure any issues with the rig. Once you set sail the process becomes a lot, lot harder. Check all junction points and replace any split pins that are looked deformed or corroded. If you are interrupted at any point be particularly careful to start again exactly where you left off! If you have a sneaking suspicion you’ve not go back and double check. You’ll sleep better in your bunk believe me…
Leaving Madeira on Last Tango a 2001 Sun Odyssey 40.
Arriving in Cascais for food, fuel and rest. 550nm non-stop
Graham on another twilight shift. The glamour of deliveries!
Straits of Messina. Ionian Sea
Marcello and Emmanuelle keeping Bandit, a Comet 45, on track. Athens to Port St Louis via Corinth Canal
Fast forward to Port St Louis and Bandit is ready for the long (road) journey home to Swanwick
Bombay Sapphire crept up the Rio Guadiana on the flood, the pilot guide giving assurances that there was plenty of water in the river, just stick to the outside of the bends and stay in the middle on the straights…What we found though was a fully buoyed channel! That certainly settled nerves of the crew (Toby, Dan, Alex and Jaime) as we progressed further and further inland in the failing light.
Our target was Alcoutim; a village 20 nautical miles up the Rio Guadiana and on the Portuguese bank. Although sceptical about the potential interest to be found upriver, the crew quickly thawed as unspoilt, treelined hillsides unfolded ahead of the bow, giving respite from the monotony of the flat, calm open sea. Wind had been at a premium for a couple of days.
Anchoring in the encroaching darkness off Alcoutim we could hear the unmistakable sound of a Spanish party getting started. The boisterous live music at a riverside bar in Sanlucar de Guadiana appeared, in typically dark Spanish style, to celebrate the anniversary of a fellow musician’s demise….A heady mix of Flamenco and folk blasted into the wee hours as we watched on. An eclectic gathering of musicians, sailors and new age types served to create a memorable evening.
We woke on Saturday morning to our first official rest day! Returning to the scene of the party (Chiringuito Guadiana) the following day for breakfast and supplies we congratulated ourselves on finding such a great spot to mark half way on our mile building 10 days. It seemed a long time ago that we slipped out into the Straits of Gibraltar heading westwards. In fact it was only 4 days…
Relaxing back on board we realised we were anchored in the ideal position to get a grandstand view the annual Guadiana 1ok kayak dash!
Thanks Sanlucar, Alcoutim and the Rio Guadiana for the welcome. It will be on my list of favourites from now on.
