Madeira to Gibraltar May 2nd 35 45.639N 7 41.414W

Persephone... Cruiser/Racer
Nigel & Karen Goodhew...
Wed 2 May 2018 20:54
Today was all about the engine. And before you start to refrain about the reliability and tribulations of our 30 year old Volvo, let me tell you that this is a good new story.  The mechanics in Madeira are to be congratulated as they have succeeded where others feared to tread and the engine is running better than ever, having had the head gasket and injectors "done".  We needed it today. No wind, so the iron topsail chugged for almost 9 hours, purring like a sewing machine.
 
And, on the catering front? Well Karens galley served up one of her legendary pizzas at lunch time today, served on the aft sun deck.
 
For supper, it was dynamite hot chili con carne served with a Madeiran garlic bread!
 
In between the two meals we were visited by a swallow, presumably on its way to kick start the English summer. So keen was it to identify us that it flew into the cabin several times!
 
Dark has fallen, we are sailing again in lake flat water and hope to arrive in Gib tomorrow.
 
Michael broke out his shorts this aftenoon...tans developing nicely...well,  are only 90 miles off the African coast.
 
And I was moved..sic
 
All well