Day 1 / 18:00
Rhapsode
Sun 14 Sep 2008 16:48
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35:50:00N 05:56:00W
We eventually got away at 11:00 this morning. A
fried egg butty was the main reason for the delay - and then we had to wash it
down with a mug of tea!
The NE 7 didn't materialise. For the most part we
had NE 4. Occasionally we got up to 5. We had some exciting moments in mid
afternoon off Cape Tarifa when there was a strong wind over tide.
Michael fell over as he bravely saved the camera from being smashed as
the boat took a heavy roll. Fortunately neither he nor the camera were broken.
The event has been recorded on film.
Later we crossed the main shipping route deciding
that we would not tempt the 'steam gives way to sail' rule by keeping
ourselves clear of all commercial traffic. It seemed prudent especially as there
was a lot of it about!
Lunch was Michael's leftover pizza from last
night's dinner. I really wanted a pork pie! Still, there's always tomorrow, and
the next day and the day after...
As I write - just after 18:00 local time - we have
clocked up 40 miles (in 7 hours of sailing) and are off Cape Espartel. The
current is against us so we've turned on the engine to help us round. The wind
has been very trying since we crossed the strait - almost directly behind us but
varying enough to mean frequent gybing. Already the Genoa is showing signs of
wear from chafing on the pulpit so it has been furled for the time being.
Hopefully the wind will go round to the quarter.
No guesses yet as to our ETA
Lanzarote.
Europe is almost out of sight.
Peter and Mike.
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