Fai Tira Blog  26/09 

Fai Tira close to Faro 36:58.25N 7:51.85W

For a while it seemed as though, what was still left of the fog, might have the effect of limiting our view as we rounded the cape (quite like the sound of that, makes it seem like we’re in the Southern ocean)

Anyhow as we approached, the sun that had been struggling to assert itself, won the battle and the visibility cleared. We now had a fantastic view of the spectacular lighthouse perched on its’ illustrious vantage point situated high on the edge of, what could now be clearly seen as, a dramatic and rugged coastline.

We had been warned, in a recent E mail, by Bill and Sue of Camomile, to be ready for the possibility of sudden and severe squalls as we rounded the corner and headed east. Quite honestly, we were now wallowing in benign sunny conditions, and would have been a bit pleased with the odd gust. Anyhow it had the effect of making, our passage past fairly sedate, more time for photos and a little sketching.

It was about now that Pete identified that conditions seemed good for a bit of a play with the cruising chute, so up it went (worry about getting it down latter)

Initially it proved difficult to keep the thing filled, as it tried to turn itself inside out with the inconsistent wind. At one time it even managed to wrap itself around the furled up genoa (quite worrying that) before thinking better of it, obligingly unravelling itself and bursting back into shape.

However it wasn’t long, before the wind picked up to a three to four, things settled down and we could even try some experimenting. Eventually ending up goose winging along at 4-5 knots, this felt like good sailing. We all took some time to relax in the warm sunshine, catch up with a bit of sleep, or do a bit of reading. (Well! Isn’t that what everyone does on holiday?)

Another wind change, later, saw us drop the cruising chute. We hoisted and poled out the genoa in the same configuration; now really making up time as we bowled along at 5-6 knots with the setting sun behind us, eating a great meal courtesy of Dee, and heading off to our, plan B, overnight anchorage at Faro.  

Bye for now. 

Pete, John and Dee