Lagos at Last!
We crossed the start line in Sines at 0700 on the 26th
June. It was a grey morning with little wind. So as soon as we were over the start
line and clear of other boats we started to erect the Cruising Chute. It was
horribly tangled from the last time we used it. After over an hour struggling
to raise it and sort out the tangles, I was completely exhausted. Well it is
nearly 70 feet high (see attached picture), and pulling all those strings, on a
rolling fore deck is challenging stuff. So with much frustration it was taken
down and dumped through the fore hatch into the forward cabin to be sorted out
later. Then got the Genoa
back out and 5 minutes later what little wind there was just faded away. So it
was on with the iron sail. Those 135 horses purred away and with the main fully
up and sheeted nice and tight we were making a good 9 knots SOG. We soon caught
up with the rest of the fleet, and within the hour they were all motoring. By
mid-morning the sun came out and it turned into a stunning day. The light
scintillating on the water, a very gentle breeze from the North West, so the apparent wind was less
than 4 knots. The icing on the cake was the arrival of a pod of around 15
dolphins, who entertained us for over half an hour before speeding off to
another yacht.
It was a simply delightful day, albeit disappointing that
was could not sail. This was made up for by the chit chat on the VHF radio.
Appropriate music tracks being broad cast (“We are sailing” etc),
and we had the HiFi at a good blast in the cockpit.
It was a straight run down to the most western part of Europe, “Cabo de Sao Vicente”. This cape an
awesome reputation and is to be treated with great respect. So before we
arrived there, in anticipation of things to come, we put a reef in the main .
We planned to pass 4 miles off. When we got there, there was still virtually no
wind, and flat seas. So we cut into 2 miles off. As we passed south of
the Cape, we dipped the Ensign as a measure of
respect and thanks to the weather Gods for a safe passage. Next we headed
for the point which is Pla de Sagres. As soon as we rounded this to head North
East for Lagos we rolled out the Genoa and the Staysail, as the wind came up to 15 to
20 knots from the North west.
We then has a cracking reach all the way to Ponta de Piedade, which was the
last point to navigate before turning North for the finish line just off the
West Mole at the entrance to the River. Jennie was on the helm for most of this
last leg, and did a stunning bit of steering work and overtook Tocharda. By
this time we were second, behind Waylander, that was well in front of the fleet
(as usual).
As we rounded the last Cape
the wind was 25 knots and gusty and fluky. “Progress” had being
trying to pass us from some time, and it was neck and neck for the finish line.
They cut around our windward side and just as we were coming up to the line,
they stole our wind and passed us. Just then a gust of some 35 knots hit us. 20
metres short of the line we broached!!! Not a happy crew………………………………………Mutiny
was in the air.
So we sorted ourselves out (after as significant
“domestic”), and came over the line on the second attempt, in third
place.
We then headed up the river for the Marina. On arrival we had covered 80nm
on the day and 1045nm since leaving Dartmouth.
All in all its been a great adventure. Very well organised,
and expertly run by WCC. Both Andrew and Ishy have done a great job looking
after us all, and laying on lots of entertainment. There has been something for
everyone.
Lagos marina is
the biggest and best we have ever visited, and the staff are incredibly kind
and helpful. So we plan to stay here for the next 10 days, whilst Sarah and
Nick and the grandchildren come down to join us tomorrow night. Simple day
trips and mooring off local beaches. Sun, sand and frolics in the sea.
It is sunny and warm and there is always a breeze (quite a
lot in the late afternoons, as I learned to my cost yesterday). So crew has the
warm weather at last and all is well in the
world……………………..
Tonight is the end of Rally Barbecue. So we are really
looking forward to a serious party.
Go to go and get ready for the bash
now……………………………………….