Logbook – Alcoutim – VRSA 10 Jul 24
It has been several weeks in the preparation of Eclipse but today we started, or actually restarted or trip to the Med. A variety of events has led us to having a new home base in Portugal. But we are finally ready to push onwards towards Greece.
We aim to do this is a couple of stages which accommodates the 90 day Brexit/Europe travel restrictions. Brexit really is the gift that keeps on taking!
So we will sail towards and around the Balearics and the Spanish Med coast before hauling out for winter in La Rapita.
We’ve done some internal changes, adding latched drawers and some more instrumentation. Plus we’ve repaired / replaced the wind speed and direction sensor. We’ve also packed a stored Eclipse for the next few weeks.
Departing Alcoutim on a falling tide and a Northerly wind, we slipped under engine until the wind became steady. Then we ‘broke a duck’ and actually sailed on the Guadiana river. Wind and tide had always been against us before. And sailing with just the headsail was slow but relaxed and allowed some of the wildlife to make itself known!
And speeding of wildlife…Despite tying down sails and covering cubby holes we still managed to get a birds nest in the boom! So that was an unpleasant half an hour, fixing out grass and eggs from the reefing lines and pullies.
Our usual anchorage is just North of the bridge between Spain and Portugal. On the way we passed the boat of another Guaduiana-ite. Bart. He has been anchored on the Spanish side of the river for a several years now. We’ve also seen him in Culatra, Alcoutim and Portimao. Another sea gypsy enjoying the nautical life.
After anchoring and digging in, I checked the mainsail and shook out the sails ready for tomorrow. I like to start the day with a reef in, in case the forecaster has underestimated the wind strength. It’s easier to shake out a reef than add one.
Then it was a final boat check before dinner and an early night ready for an early start to the adventure tomorrow, as we sail towards Mazagon.