Wednesday 13^th February – Ilha da Culatra

36:59.917N 7:50.640W

The strong easterly winds continue unabated as they have for the whole of our stay here (we had expected to be here only a few days whilst some easterly winds blew through the Gibraltar Strait but they have hung around – Richard says due to a stationary high pressure system).

Last night it was on top form, blowing at over 30 knots at times, and it gave us our first really uncomfortable night due to the sound of the wind and a pretty rough chop being generated in this normally peaceful lagoon.

As the winds have been pretty lively for much of our time here, we’ve made sure our ground tackle reflects it.  The ‘yachties’ will know that the recommended length of anchor chain is four times the depth of water; given that the anchorage is virtually empty and that chain is no use in its locker, we have put out twice that, which, along with the anchor alarm on our instruments, has given us peace so far (reaching for the wood!).

Fortunately it was quieter today.  Although it was a little overcast this morning, the sun came out again this afternoon so it was lovely and warm in the cockpit enclosure.  We have had a quiet day, Richard with a book and me fishing.  I caught another garfish but still no sea bass.

We are hoping for a quieter night tonight!