Fai Tira Blog Tuesday 15/09 

Fai Tira in Vigo 42:13.36N 8:45.02W

Feeling a bit self conscious, it seems to me that all my recent contributions to the blog, have begun with references about lazy starts to the day.

Perhaps it’s just my imagination, after all this isn’t a holiday is it, well, that’s what I’m always being told anyway!!!

We were both still lounging in our beds when a, polite, knock on the door had us rushing around trying to find something to throw on in order to look respectable (Oh, and by door, I think I meant side of the boat)

Alberto was back bright and early, least it seemed early to us. This time instead of his brother, he was accompanied by another of his colleagues and, impressively, he too had a good command of English.

They are such a helpful bunch of people, with active and knowledgeable minds, that are constantly analysing the problem in order to seek the solution. In our case some of the problem is that a piece of, the broken part of, stay sail mounting fell down inside the mast making things just that bit more difficult.

So they arrived with a selection of connectors, a tape measure, variety of tools and a bosuns chair, for the trip up the mast.

Not quite sure how they determined who was the more agile of the two but, after some debate, it seemed that Alberto had drawn the short straw. 

With Pete hanging on to the end of the halyard, and just the slightest sign of nervousness detectable on his face, Alberto was on his way up to the level of the second spreader, and the scene of the carnage (I know, slight exaggeration)

It was now blowing quite hard, if it had been me up there, I’d have been down as quick as I could, but these guys were really thorough. Accurate measurements, close examinations and copious note taking, all followed.

They left giving us a feeling of confidence, bit worried about the bill, but we’re sure of their genuine concern and desire to get the job done right.

I think it’s had the effect of making us both feel pretty relaxed that we’ll be away from here in good time and with a proper job, well completed!!

Breakfast in the marina cafe. Coffee and croissant, (how un-Spanish is that) Then back to the boat for more cleaning, bit worried that this may be becoming obsessive now.

Then not to be out done, Pete thought that he also ought to go up the mast, not just to the second spreader though, this was real mast climbing; right to the top at nose bleed level. Glad it wasn’t me, I just stood below hanging on to the bit of string that was supporting him, while he took the opportunity to carry out a few necessary inspections.

It was our intention to make, what looked like, quite a long walk this afternoon and end up in the old part of the city.

It was now fairly warm, the sun shining and the wind had dropped. I took the chance to glance around, once more, before we left.

It’s a great scene. Directly opposite us is the massive carcass of the hull of a ship under construction, with all the associated craneage, welding, noise and general huge scale engineering that you’d expect with such a large operation. Couldn’t help thinking, while I was gazing, just how much our friend and ace engineer, Pete D, would be drooling now if he were here.

We were right,the walk was a bit of a hike, but worth it. The old part had a lot to offer, interesting buildings, contrasts of old and new and some being almost bizarre. With a modern apartment block, fixed directly on to the side of an ancient church, weird!!

                                                                                                          Judy and Tracey would be in there elliment!  Handbag city.

We also had the opportunity to sit and drink beer, warmed by the sun, in lovely surroundings, people watching, while I sketched a little.

Oh yeh  and don’t forget, Pete said, it’s not a holiday!!!!  

Bye for now. 

Pete and John.