Passage to La Gomera
Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Tue 2 Nov 2010 00:04
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Our position is 28:05.31N 17:06.48W
Monday 1 November 2010
We finally managed to drag ourselves away from the
delights of Las Galletas following booking the lift out at Los
Christianos, a day in the mountains followed by a mega shop in the big edge of
town supermarket, problems with the engine oil pressure (actually only the
gauge), Steve & Babs electrical problems, fish and chips at the Pink
Parrot and a great steak at the Belgian restaurant. The day dawned windier than
the few preceding it and we set off to La Gomera, in the company of
Quest, with hopes of a good sail. However before long the wind had died
away to nothing and then when it filled in was on the nose because of the effect
of the Canary current taking us to the South West. It was certainly a good
introduction to the acceleration zones down the island coasts with gusts of
30-35 knots making it difficult to make headway and kicking up a short chop with
a tendency to break into the cockpit. Quest turned back and was last heard
of with no wind, an over heating engine and a fast flattening mobile phone
battery near to Las Galletas. Hopefully they have made it back safely and
intrepid Auntie Jean and Uncle Brian are none the worse for their
experiences.
Looking back at Tenerife there were some dramatic
views of Mt Teide poking out above the clouds. The interior of Tenerife is
really dramatic and nothing like the beach resorts favoured by the British
tourists. Also memorable were the friendliness and inside knowledge (not to
mention beer drinking) of Steve and Babs on Quest. Thanks to them for all the
advice and the introduction to Juan Ramon at the Los Christianos boatyard, which
I doubt we would have considered without their recommendation.
Our harbour approach was made memorable by a
particularly vicious gust of wind screaming down off the hills at c40kn and
the high speed ferry coming out as we approached the entrance, but once inside
all was peaceful and we are tied up amongst a very cosmopolitan bunch. The
marina notice board is full of crews looking for a trans-atlantic berth or
people trying to sell Caribbean pilots and charts. We shall stay here a few days
and explore the island.
 Closing La Gomera
 The fast ferry overtaking us on its way into San
Sebastian. It was the same one that had another try at us on its way out half an
hour later!
 Approaching San Sebastian de la Gomera (Another
ferry against the wall inside)
 Inside the harbour - the yellow buoys mark
the approach to the Marina, which is to the right of this picture
 Views from and of the boat tied up in the
marina
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