32:44.49N 16:42.76W

Friday 17^th September

Up and about at 7.30 am to get various jobs done before departure for Madeira. One of these was to check our emails as we have some replies outstanding from Sweden concerning issues with the boat. The internet arrangements in Porto Santo are very simple and civilised. Outside the little office they have constructed a covered way and put two long refectory tables there with bench seats and smart new power points. This area alone receives coverage of their free WiFi connection and so you just have to wander over to here to get connected. Once I had finished here I had to return the shower and toilet keys to the office and then go to the customs office and check out of the island. The only snag today was that the office was locked up and the office next door (Port Authority) had no idea if the officer was coming in today! I went back to the marina office to ask about this and after scratching their heads for a few moments they pointed to the man in a blue uniform sat at one of the internet benches and with relief told me that he was the customs officer today! Totally unfazed, the officer took down our details on a scrap of paper and wished us a safe journey before returning to his browsing.

At this point it poured with rain which was a bit of a shock to the system really.

Once the rain had stopped we finished getting Serafina ready for sea and after saying goodbye to all the boats around us, we set off.

There was a nice 15 knot breeze blowing and so we made a brisk start in the lee of the island, but once we got clear of this, we were back in the open Atlantic with its long tall rollers coming over our stern quarter. We made good time although the wind became a bit flaky towards the end of the 30 mile trip. Up in the sky Sarah took delight in identifying thunderclouds, wind and more impressively three potential waterspouts forming as their twisters reached down from the heavy cloud base.

About 3 miles from the protection of the lee of the eastern extreme of Madeira Island we hooked a very large fish. I say fish because after 10 minutes of excitement with whatever it was exerting more pull than the reel brake could handle, the twin hooks broke free and we were at least left with my favourite lure, but no monster fish to identify or show for our effort. (Photo of me looking bemused as the rod strains and the brake fails on the website.)

Made our way to Marina Quinta do Lorde, Madeira where we were enthusiastically welcomed by the marineros who introduced themselves by name and insisted on shaking hands and explaining everything. The office were no less effusive and Joanna in reception took great delight in spending some 40 minutes explaining everything that they could and would do for us. It is a wonderful spot and little expense has been spared in the development which is surrounded by an almost complete apartment resort. There is a festival that starts tonight – lucky us – and we are welcome to join in.

The water here is crystal clear and the rules are very strict about what can and cannot be put in it. I took this opportunity to take a dive under Serafina again to re-inspect the rope cutter and found that the noise we have been hearing is not a serious issue, but just some missing sound deadening polyurethane plugs.

We had Chris and Steve over for a wonderful dinner (despite lack of fresh fish and very limited ingredients....)  cooked by Sarah and a session of Mexican train which I am pleased to report was won for the very first and possibly last time by ME!