We first noticed we might have an issue with the mast top light, while sailing down to the Algarve coast from Cascais. In the foggy conditions off the west coast we could see the loom of the light to port and starboard, but nothing astern…which seemed odd as surely the white light would catch the fog as strongly or stronger than the coloured sectors.

Arriving at Lagos, we (Nigel) scaled the mast and yes, it was confirmed…our reassuringly expensive Lopolight…Danish cutting edge technology to create a safe but low power consuming navigation light...had partially failed. Not only had the tricolour started to misbehave, but so had our all round white anchoring light, part of the same unit. 

A quick call to the makers UK distributor, however, prompted their after sales machine into action…."make a submission on line  direct to Lopolight setting out serial numbers etc and we will respond swiftly. If the unit is under 5 years old, we will replace it under guarantee".  Interestingly, the UK sales agent was the husband of one of Karen's ex colleagues…..small world!

So we filed the form…but was our unit under 5 years old?  I was sure we had changed from the conventional bulb in 2008, as an early upgrade to Persephone in anticipation of this trip or something like it.

Chasing up the Danish office by phone, and subsequent emails and photos later, it was explained that our unit was shipped from the factory more than 5 years ago. However our story was accepted as being "from the heart"…great, the unit was going to be replaced.

By now, we had been in Lagos a few days so elected to have the replacement light sent on to our next port of call, Portimao. It ought to be there by Friday 21st. All good.

Friday came, and no interesting delivery from Denmark. So we phoned the Danish guys again. They were ever so sorry, but there had been some confusion, a little staff illness etc and our light had not been dispatched. However, it would be sent straight away.  This time we asked for a tracking number for the courier, and asked if it could be sent on to a new destination…this time to Vilamoura.  "Yes indeed…it will be there on Monday. We are so sorry to have delayed…we will be sending an upgraded product, our latest version…the wiring is slightly different but you will find it very easy…"

We came to Vilamoura on Sunday, ready to explore and like eager children at Christmas, to receive a parcel from the north! Vilamoura is a false town. Don't get me wrong, it"s a terriffic place, more restaurants than you can shake a stick at, beaches and about 6 golf courses. Those seeking the history and culture of the area will perhaps be disappointed though, but all the historians I know, would cheer up in the bars around the marina.

On Monday, our package arrived and Nigel set off to the marina office to collect it. The journey on foot around the marina, with it's enormous plethora of eateries, takes about 45 minutes…I kid you not! But the nice man in the marina RIB whisked him back to our pontoon in less than 3 minutes.

Of course, the new light was slightly different to the old one…new fixings etc, so Nigel had to be hoisted up the mast to dismount the old light and then to plan the new fixings for it's replacement. Phase 1 of this part of the project was at dusk on Monday. The old light was retrieved and comparisons made in the evening. A plan was hatched, tools assembled in a bucket to take to the mast top…17 metres up.

Phase 2 was early on Tuesday morning…another ascent, Karen working the winch below and Nigel dangling in a harness (another reassuringly expensive piece of kit which can double as a tourniquet). Attempt one on Tuesday was marred by gusty winds, a sudden onset of fear from the skipper, a small amount of unanticipated rain, and the loss of the spectacles needed by our protagonist as they flew into the briney.

Armed with new specs, and in calmer conditions an hour or so later, the 3rd ascent of mount Persephone was eventually rewarded by a new fully operational and Collision Regulations compliant lighting installation!

We have just viewed it in all it's operational glory by night!  Tomorrow we sail 50 miles to Guardiana, in daylight!