Passage to La Gomera

Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Tue 2 Nov 2010 00:04
 

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