Blog 6th June

Nightsong
Mon 7 Jun 2010 06:15
Dear Blog
 
Thought I would put a couple more pics on the blog before I set off again
 
The first shows Nightsong with her keel dangling below her in the Travelift at the Old Naval Dockyard, Bermuda as a result of the keel rope breaking in the Tobago Cays. Like this she draws 12ft!!
 
 
The second my attempt to copy the Perrings on the quayside at Horta (same tradition as at Porto Santo).
 
 
In the background is the 8000ft mountain of Pico on the island of the same name about 5 miles from Horta, Faial. Very similar to El Teide on Tenerife in the Canaries - dominates the Azores islands just the same.
 
Some thoughts about our crossing from Bermuda - the storm of 28th May 2010 about 400 miles west of the Azores certainly took its toll of yachts:
 
  • A Sweden Yachts 42 (actually in ARC Europe) broke its rudder stock and the crew had to be evacuated onto a merchant ship. The yacht subsequently sank
  • 4 yachts have been towed into Horta in the last week with broken masts
  • A Beneteau 473 (in radio contact with us shortly before) suffered 2 x 80 degree knockdowns that night and diverted to Flores
Some advantage on being overweight I guess. Nightsong was fine and we felt comfortable
 
Still have to mend the engine (waiting for diver) and the Duogen before I set off
 
AJB 6th June 2010