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
bentlittle {CHANGE TO AT} btinternet {DOT} com
thesnark {CHANGE TO AT} mailasail {DOT} com
+44 777 070 4382 (Mobile)
+88 1631589195 (Sat Phone)

Follow our voyage blog at:
http://blog.mailasail.com/thesnark