Across the Pond - Day 1

Jackamy
Paul & Derry Harper
Wed 18 Nov 2009 09:00
27:35.773N 15:37.462W

We slipped our mooring lines at 10.20 am on Tuesday 17th November whilst playing "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye" by Gracie Fields on loud speaker. Quite a crowd had gathered on the quayside. There was Jim from Bali Blue, David and Elaine from Guardian Spirit and Michael from Traveler, as well as Michelle and family from Mercury Rising who waved us and Mercury Rising off.

The weather wasn't great but we were happy to be on our way and it wasn't long before we were sailing along at 8 knots. We had the bright pink cruising chute up for the first time and it looked fantastic! As always the dolphins were soon swimming and playing at the front of the bow and it wasn't long before Paul caught us the first fish of the leg....a nice big Tuna!

There were thunder and lightening storms over the north and south of Fuerteventura so Amy was a little panicky that they would be coming out to sea for her first night watch but thankfully they didn't move over our way. We didn't have much traffic throughout the night, just a couple of fishing boats who motored straight passed us unlike the aggressive Moroccan boats, and a few cruise liners and cargo ships. One of the cruise liners was 'Independence of the Sea', it looked like a floating block of flats because it was all lit up. 

We managed to spot orions belt; the plough and the north star. I imagine we'll see a lot more over the crossing as the sky will be as clear as it could be with there being no light pollution.


 
The lyrics from "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye":
Wish me luck, as you wave me goodbye.
Cheerio, here I go, on my way.
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye.
With a cheer, not a tear, make it gay.
Give me a smile, I can keep for a while.
In my heart while I'm away.
Till we meet once again you and I.
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye.
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye.
Cheerio, here I go, on my way.
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye.
With a cheer, not a tear, make it gay.
Give me a smile, I can keep for a while,
In my heart while I'm away.
Till we meet once again you and I
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye