Arrival Cascais

Itchycoo
Thu 9 Aug 2018 11:38
Welcome to Portugal - slightly later than planned due to little wind yesterday afternoon and evening. That all changed as soon as darkness came as the calm conditions - our dinner on the deck cooked by Kevin was Ajja (I'll let you google it) - excellent - gave way to a wind factory. As ever, the good ship Itchycoo took it in her stride as we moved along nicely on well reefed sails all night. Some are claiming that the rolling waves were 15 feet high - some prefer 5 feet. I have no idea which is right. It depends on whether you believe this is a story of daring do or just a fun trip. At time of writing we are 4 miles out of Cascais (38:41.0N 009:25.0W) and looking forward to a few hours ashore.

The Captain's new duty roster has been a modest success (the heads have been cleaned - even if he had to do it himself - luck of the draw on day 2) but needs to be integrated with the watch rota - understandably was no way Bob was doing breakfast after finishing his second four hour night shift.

This is of course a trial voyage for how things will work on the big ARC trip across the Atlantic in November. Trial results so far include:
Diesel comsumption confirmed at 2 litres per hour
Tank Water consumption figures variable and duly noted.
Fresh fish consumption - zero per voyage
Seaweed procurement en route - plentiful
Ability to pass away time talking inherent rubbish - unlimited

On the subject of the tank water, we left Baiona (Spanish spelling for those confused) with the water gauge showing no more than half full. During the trip this miraculously increased to almost full - giving us the belief that we are somehow making water (a useful trick - and without the need for wine). Its on the list of jobs!

Last night's rollers meant a couple of spillages onto the floor - one most helpful. The floorboards have now received their first proper oil treatment in years - sadly using all our cooking oil in the process.

Finally, I've had some feedback into my request yesterday to sing the trip song - Itchycoo Park by the Small Faces (downloads available from I Tunes and yes we get a modest commission). Some (unbelievably) do not know the words. So I thought that I might start to correct that.

Over Bridge of Sighs
To rest my eyes in shades of green
Under dreaming spires
To Itchycoo Park that's where I've been

Your homwork is to learn this part - more tomorrow (if we remember - which is frankly unlikely given the age of this crew)



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