Hello from Rubicon, Lanzarote

Hello everyone,

 

Sorry for the lack of contact since leaving Gibraltar. We have had issues with emailing when at sea, followed by tough weather which made trouble shooting the issues impossible!!

 

Since our last blog life hasn’t been plain sailing. The wind turned off overnight so another day of motor sailing (Wed), then on Thursday the wind started coming from the south  west – exactly where we wanted to go!! The wind ranged between 20 and 40 knots, with a large Atlantic ground swell, making conditions challenging. Trying to sleep in the Saloon was akin to trying to sleep on a rollercoaster!!

 

We have been eating well, dinners range from Tuna and pasta bake  (not freshly caught – yet), roast lamb, Gammon etc, until conditions got bad when we opened Morrisions Beef stew and dumplings – new improved recipe (similar to dog food) served with some fantastic  visual effects of head over the side by Stu prior to eating.

 

Even in the windy weather the sunsets have been stunning, the night sailing has been moonlit and the stars are blinding every night.

 

Finally after a very drawn out voyage we arrived in Porto Calero around 3am on Saturday. Unfortunately the Marina was full and we had to move down the coast to Marina Rubicon. A lovely marina complex with pool, restaurants and good facilities. Sadly Alan and Margaret have unexpectedly had to fly home so Laura and Stu have been left with a 40 foot yacht in the sun. Unfortunately the yacht needs a good sort out and clean following the voyage! But we are looking forward to a few days of rest and catching up on sleep, followed by some exploring of the Island.

 

Love to all,

Stu

 

Laura’s additions for all non sailors!

Offshore sailing in not so nice conditions = NOT being in my bikini the whole way round, thermal tops and offshore kit have already been out! Before using the toilet battling with the pump to ensure you can pump your wee out before it leaks over the toilet due to the rocking of the boat.  Not showering for 5 days, banging your head whilst trying to get up for your watch in the middle of the night, or even better at 4am in the morning.  Waking up to find all our clothes on top of us after getting hit by a squall (lots of wind).   Cooking involves clinging on for dear life so that you don’t end up wearing your lovely hot dinner that is cooking on a moving stove! Oh yeah, your toilet is not a toilet its ‘the Heads’ a kitchen’s not a kitchen it’s ‘a galley’ my bedroom’s not a bedroom it’s an ‘aft cabin!’ jeeez I have lots to learn J don’t worry this all said! A great adventure! And despite being assured uphill sailing wasn’t going to be part of our trip, I have been assured that the next trip will all be down hill!  I am still typing with a grin on my face, and looking forward to the next chapter! Now off to absorb some sun, food and drink! J

xxx