03:50 S 32:24 W

 

Sorry to be late with the news – it’s been a busy day.

 

The boat very kindly slowed herself down. As morning twilight arrived (around 04:30) the island came into view about 12 miles to the north of us. The wind came round to head us and the swell increased to 2 metres so we had an uncomfortable few hours closing the island. We finally dropped anchor just after 09:00. The swell at the anchorage at the moment is HUGE and is forecast to remain high throughout our visit. The trip in and out of the harbour in the dinghy is an adventure in itself – rather like climbing several watery  mountains!

 

The rest of the day was taken up with formalities and those were very different to the Salvador variety. The Policia Federal came to see us at the port office instead of us having to traipse around to see them and they were extremely friendly and helpful. We have to go back again on Sunday before we leave to get our passports stamped.

 

So now we are checked in and are free to roam the island.

 

I think I have traced the problem of the towing generator to a corroded connection. I’ve replaced it with a brand new one and now am keeping fingers tightly crossed that the problem is solved. If it is then we can make lots of fresh water whilst we undertake the next part of our voyage. If not we will only be able to make water when the engine is running. I still have the bilge pump to look at and a couple of smaller jobs. Getting fresh water is more of a problem -  the island water is not considered drinking water – and we need around 200 litres of the stuff to replenish our tanks. However, I have a bottle of water purifier and we filter the water as well. I can also chlorinate it if needs be. I think that most of tomorrow will be taken up in ferrying water and fuel to the boat and with this swell running I’m not looking forward to that particular excitement.

 

For anyone wanting to know the cost of coming to the island: The anchorage tax for four days is 4 x R$172.31 = R