36:33N 2:41W Position Update on the move again
The Snark on The ARC
Ben Little
Thu 7 Jul 2011 03:44
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Hi There,
After some time, a little over a month in fact, the
Snark is on the move again. We (Peter Brennan has kindly volunteered
to help out on this leg) left Gibraltar yesterday Morning around 8:30am
after re-fueling. The dolphins came to visit us almost immediately, it is
clear why there are so many dolphin safaris going out of Gibraltar and so
many seemingly happy customers smiling on the return. Gibraltar is an
interesting place with a lot of history. That said some parts
are reminiscent of some infamous holiday resorts plagued by "brits abroad"
but with a harbour instead of the beach. But is a good place to
lay up for a while with a lot of friendly folks to help and the benefits of
a British outposts for us who are linguistically challenged. We
were a little delayed due to ongoing problems with the rig but
leave in better shape than we arrived in, we also have a new dinghy (or Rib
as the guy at the chandlery enthusiastically called it). The destination
is Palma Mallorca for a quick tour of the island before heading on to Port Vells
in Barcelona where we have a new long term berth. I think that will be it
for extended passages this summer though I do hope to take some more time to
explore the Spanish coast and the Balearic islands this season and next.
It is back to work for me on the 19th July. It will be a change from lots
of sailing, but one I am quite looking forward to, a new challenge and a new
chapter. I hope it does not keep me away from the sea but it will
certainly make the time away more precious.
I have picked up a number of messages from our
cruising companions during the Atlantic crossing, most seem to have "finished"
or be close to home. Well done all and welcome home. Of all the
recent updates I think Otra Vida is still out there cruising.
The conditions tonight are typical summer time in
the Med, very little wind and warm balmy nights, my foulies can stay down below
in the cupboard for now. Unfortunately it means we have to rely heavily on
the engine. If the wind blows up too much we may also have to seek shelter
to make sure we do not further damage the rig which while in much better shape
than when we arrived in Gib is in need to 2 new spreaders which are on order for
delivery to Barcelona. The view of our rigger in Gibraltar is that we are
good for sailing in a moderate Mediterranean breeze but need to keep an eye on
things. We certainly need to avoid the pounding we suffered on the way
into Gib which has caused all (or most of) the trouble. Aside from
the spreaders the deck bolts, one of which had come loose have been re-attached
and adjusted. 3 Tins of spartite and hard wood wedges now secure the mast
in the deck collar (as well as the deck bolts) and the dodgy looking rigging
wire has now been replaced. We even have a new mast boot
to ensure a dry bilge, though I think we may wait a while until there is
some rain to test it. The rig is also now appropriately tensioned probably
more so than even when we set out from the Caribbean. Lastly we have
applied some jubilee clips as an interim measure, reinforcing the damages
spreaders and preventing further movement.
I am now looking forward to the end of my night
shift. Just going to fire up the sat phone for a belt and braces weather
check and send of this blog. We will continue to sign in on our way up to
Barcelona with updates.
Ben and the Crew of The Snark
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