Portugal to Gibraltar 36.02:68N 05.26:71W
Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Wed 16 Jun 2010 17:44
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15th June
We had a great time in Portugal staying at Albufeira
Marina just a short distance from our friends villa.
Andrew and Trish were great hosts showing us the local
town, beaches and some lovely rural restaurants. They were also great hosts to
Malte our German friend and crew mate.
We are currently at sea but when we get internet access we
can post the photos which Andrew took of us arriving in Albufeira. We have often
talked about sailing across the coast and meeting up with Andrew and Trish. We
never dreamt that our timing coming from the Azores across the Atlantic would
coincide with them being in Portugal on holiday.
As we sailed in from the Ocean Andrew and Trish telephoned
us and waved from the cliff top before meeting us on the dock---- a great moment
and champers all round.
We sadly said goodbye to Malte on 14th June as he left
'travelling light' complete with heavy rucksack, guitar and surfboard. ( Photo
to follow in a few days) He headed off to Lagos to possibly join a boat we
know travelling to Palma, Majorca, if not he was heading for a local hostel
and was hoping to do some surfing before beginning his journey home to Germany.
His surfboard has now travelled 3,651 with us and about 2,400 on his previous
boat---so about 6,050 n miles---- so we do hope he gets it back to
Germany.
We also said a fond farewell to our dear friends and hope
to see them again in the not too distant future.
We set sail on the 14th with great favourable
winds and sailed over night to Gibraltar and refuelled.
The following blog was written as we approached the
Straits of Gibraltar.............................................
Arrival in Gib
The first time we arrived in the Straits of Gibraltar was
an emotional experience, not just because Tioram had arrived in the Med, but it
was also a treat to the senses. It was a calm, misty, early morning.
The light was just beautiful creating a stillness and giving us a peaceful
arrival with the glorious scents of Africa. The experience was all the more
special for sharing it with Rob and John, our friends and crew
mates.
This experience could not be more different--------
2pm---30 knots of true wind behind us, exhilarating, screaming along at 10 knots
SOG with just the Genoa.
Beautiful white heads on a flatish sea as the wind and
tide squeeze through the Straits---quite spectacular sight.
Wind and tide in our favour, not too many tankers, strong
following wind, not a chance of the magical scents of Africa, but none the
less an exciting arrival
Tioram has quickened her pace, the girl senses the Med,
she has seen this route before, she knows her way 'home' and is flying
!!!
Love to all, especially Andrew and Trish
from Tina and Tony x x
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