Day 7 - Pirates of Falmouth make Lisbon

It's time to introduce the crew as we achieve a milestone we made it to Lisbon before the storm blowing 20 plus knots gusting to 30 knots Northerly against our passage north.

The crew pictured left to right is Abdullah, Me, Chief and Fran.

Skipper Chris he like to be called "Chief" as he's South African and tells us he has a little Zulu in him, we will leave that there.

Fabio the Italian aka Abdullah he's keeps telling us his Italian but can't find his passport, strange that! He's also very dark too but the jocks (jokes) are very funny.

Fran "the Cook" the self appointed Chef De Cusine. A former Brycream Boy (ex RAF) who does amazing thinks with food but also cooks us too. His New York Mess is fantastic.

Me of course. On a pass from Jane to gain more sea time and sailing experience  for our own dream. My job is to sleep in late, make tea, create play lists and blog.

It's not all plain sailing on this boat as there has been 2 deaths and we suspect a 3rd soon . Details are sketchy but the Chief tells not to be scared.

The day improved and we had fun sailing at 8 to 9 knots in 20 knots wind until cracking we lost the Foresail dynimo and had to quickly haul in the sail and make safe sheets.

Off now to celebrate Abdullah birthday.

Day 6 - I went to sea to see what I could see

We are becalmed.

There is NO WIND
There is no drift
There are no ships.
No Dolphins or Whales or even Seagulls
We are alone.

We are becalmed.

The joy of yesterday's game of Charades as evaporated too.

We are Becalmed!

Well not quite true all done for dramatic affect (Thank you Miss Squires - English). The gentle bubble of the alternative engines running move R5 through the smooth waters at a steady 6 knots but even that is making very little breeze to cool the crew.

The four are dispersed to different corners to sleep. Today will be a quiet day for all.

Oh how the day changed. Calm and quiet the a hive of activity.

1. Hoisted skipper up the mast.

2. Saw about 100 dolphins swim to our drifting boat and past.

3. Jump off the boat to swim in the cool blue sea

4. Wind picked up for our passage to Lisbon.

Day 5 - The Race

Sailing on a Catamaran isn't all about bumbling along drinking Gin and Tonic occasionally things have to happen because "Tide and Time" don't wait for no cruiser. Today is such a day.

Today we have 6 hours to depart Gibraltar,  pick up wind and sail with the tidal stream out of the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean. Will we make it?

Yes we did. We blew through at 11 knots with 12.5 knots on a dead run and about 4 foot of waves.

The excitement of the passage was enhanced when the Spinnaker halyard block became detached. Snuffed sail, cut halyard to remove block reattach, gibed and hoisted. The only damage was my finger cut as I folded my sailing knife. OUCH CHUMP.

The afternoon passed with the domestic chore of sewing torn waterproof and charades on the trampoline.

Day 4 - All at Sea

It's the fourth day at sea and the big questions had to be tackled . The big debate swirled around will we make the tidal gate at Gibraltar? Can we catch up with stronger wind? Was going to Mexican wrap for lunch? Why is Ken in charge of the music?

Why had Ken let the wind go?

I had discovered that in a fast Cruiser Catamaran the innner child was screaming to go as fast as possible and the entire crew of 4 had the same inner child. At the start of my watch (0300l we had wind and was gurgling along at the of my watch it was hum of the motor with the ound track of Foreigner. Both noises didn't please the boat of children.

With no wind the decisions became easy. Forget a race to wind, go to Gibraltar and yes it's Mexican wraps. Ken was in charge of the music becauae he had nearly a 1000 track on his smartphone.

Day 3 - Busy before 3am only 3 hours in

An early start and in a short space of time so much happpened.

Twisted Spinnaker

Constant running bilge pump and water sloshing around the starboard

Lunatics singing on VHF emergency channel for nearly 2 hours

2 shooting stars

Clear skies

Gentle hum of port engine

After my watch 6 hours sleep and the sole boards lifted to replace the bilge pump easy job and something to do be fore my next watch.

So far good winds 12 Knots and steady speed of 6.5knots with smooth water, so far.

After 8 hours sailong engines are up and running with course set to Gibraltar l. In an empty sea what do you think could happen? A Spanish Trawler sail towards us despite our 40gedrees of turning away.

The spinnaker is being stowed before our chicken dinner as we prepare for a night of motoring. Only 8 hours till I take watch.

Night all.

Just as was settling we were joined by Dolphins dancing around nearly as much as the crew. 

Day 2 - Awake with a boom

The days fist day and night sailing when quickly and so did my watch 2100 to Midnight.

The wake up call was the Skippers saying he enjoys a Red Bush, being the only redhead on aboard and still in the Queen sized bed feared the worst or best so was out if bed  double quick. It turns out it was the call for breakfast and the Skipper  enjoys Redbush tea.  I am still a traditionalist.

Today we have had lots of sun, smooth waters, light airs so have sailed with supporting engine till late pm when the Spinnaker was hoisted and we made sail with just the swish of lapping  seas.

It was such a relaxing day that domestic duties included washing, sewing and creating play list. Life sailing such a breeze.

Day 1 - Vitals aka food and booze

Our day starts bathed in Sunshine and a trip to Lidel. It was a  long walk back as Lidel have magnetic wheel locks so can't get out of car park.

A few jobs to do before we set sail.

Fuel, water and a wash well or R5.

At 1430 we departed San Anonio bay.