So near, yet so far !
Pavan
Thu 23 Aug 2007 14:28
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We left Rota ( Cadiz) today ( Thursday 22/8 ) at
0600 for Gibraltar. About 70 miles, giving ETA this evening about 17.00.
Forecast for the Straits was variable becoming easterly Force 3. Looked
good !
The first bit was great. Galloping along at 7 kts,
with 15 kts wind just forward of the port shrouds. First way-point was
Trafalgar, where we arrived as planned at 11.00
However, the wind had been veering all morning, and
by then was blowing old boots, and we were hard to the wind. There was also a
very big wet sea over the bows.
Called Gibraltar, who confirmed that they too had a
full gale, albeit from the east. For the final 20 miles, that would have been
right on the nose. Compounded by a three kt. current against the wind, sea
conditions were attrocious. They forecast no let-up until Monday.
I even put a bottle of champagne in the fridge to
toast the immortal memory of the one-eyed Admiral ! Too damn rough
!
Despite the lure of the apes, cheap fuel, and tax
free gin, I decided to call it a day, and run back up the coast to the Cadiz
area..............probably Rota again. It is a good accessable marina, without
the downside of Cadiz and Puerto Sherry.
We should be there in a couple of hours, so will
lick our wounds over a gin or two, and decide where we are having dinner this
evening. It will also give me the chance to wash the salt of the lovely
PAVAN
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