37:06.66N 08:40.5W Finally Lagos
Renegade
Tony Porter
Tue 23 Jun 2009 11:46
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After a very windy night in Sines with the wave
slap keeping the stern cabin occupants awake we were off to an early start for
Lagos (80nm). Crossing the start line at 06:34 the wind died before 7 and
we had the usual frustrating lumpy motoring for 4 hours in the gloomy overcast
skies!! finally with the sun starting to break through the wind picked up and
with chute up (by our now expert foredeck crew) we were off. Hand steering was
the order of the day with quartering seas and the same NNW wind, gusting between
10 & 19 knots!!... As we approached Cape St Vincent in glorius
weather and the wind strengthening we took the chute down to find the halyard
nearly chaffed through!!.....there but for the grace of god!! with
headsail and full main we jibed round the point dipping our ensign to Lord
Nelson as we came abeam. On then to Point de Sagres on an adrenalin beam
reach in glorius sailing conditions of 20 knots; with crew now on the rail we
hardened up to Point de Piadade going like a train, rail in the water and spray
everywhere!!!...minor compliants from Terry who took the brunt of getting
'goffered'!!...no complaints from John who sheltered in the 'Lee' of
Terry!!!
The final beat up to the line Renegade was in her
element, carrying full sail in 25 +knots of apparrent and less tahn 30deg off
the bow we were sailing like a dinghy!! further up to windward than the bigger
points we hurtled over the final line in a cloud of spray!....only to find our
fan club were being royally entertained by the 'Essex boys' on
Andiamo!!
Not to be out done though by the time we had
the sails down and were motoring up the canal the 'girls' were out with flags
and banners cheering Renegade home!!.....
Coming alongside on the waiting pontoon there was
much joyious reunions with the wives, in the case of the two bearded
crew members some interesting comments!! .......and promises of visits to
the barber!!
Our final dinner and prize giving is set for
Wednesday.....unfortunately we also lose Bob here who has to return to
work......more on that later, but for now we all will miss him
Photos later.
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