Successful launch!
Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Wed 22 Apr 2009 15:58
After 4 days of blazing sun and soaring temperatures it had to all go sour
today! We woke to heavy rain and a steadily rising wind.
The hoist and crew arrived pretty much on time and all went well until they
found that the weight of Serafina had caused the legs of the hoist to bow
inwards slightly, just enough to stop it driving out over the dock into
which we were to be lowered! Some adjustments were made and all then
proceeded smoothly. We then had the small issue of manoeuvring in the marina
to reverse into the space they wanted us to go. This is exciting enough here
with a wicked cross current that swirls through and under the pontoons, but
right now the wind was beginning to scream and it all got a little tense.
However it went well in the end and we settled into the slot and were soon
joined by a Swan 47 (Ayesha) alongside us.
The weather eased later on and we got a load more of the jobs done before
John (Aureal) and Steve (unknown motorboat!) joined us for drinks. We then
all made our way down to the taverna which is now getting very busy, as more
and more crews arrive to start their sailing seasons.
Tuesday night saw a big storm pass over and we were treated to all manner of
wind strengths and thunder, lightning and of course rain and more rain.
Wednesday 22nd April dawned cloudy and wet but happily just as the van drew
up with our sails, the rain stopped and the sun came out again. Sarah got a
lift with our next door neighbours in their hire car, to Preveza town where
she sorted out the paperwork with the Port Police (a real joy as ever) and
did some provisioning. We then 'bent' the sails on which is always an
interesting activity and all the more so as this was the first time we had
put our roller furling main back on. There were a few false starts but we
got there in the end! Sarah also went up the mast to check all the rigging
etc.
The weather was supposed to be dreadful again today, but actually has turned
out to be lovely and sunny with just a light breeze. It is a slightly
unusual experience sitting out on deck in the late afternoon in T-shirts and
shorts with a stunning backdrop of snow capped mountains.
Plan to sail up to Paxos tomorrow although there is a warning of gale force
7 winds, but they would be going our way so hopefully should be a good sail.