December 16th, 2017
The top of Lanzarote - we hired a car for the day and had our first day off 'Pearl' as a couple since we picked her up on the 28th of October - a good day out.
December 16th, 2017
Spinnaker
Up for the first time and a beauty
December 16th, 2017
Pearl
We cant speak highly enough of the good ship 'Pearl'. She is all we hoped for and looked after us through a rough night off Ushant to having to motor on and off for four days as we wended our way south. She has a good turn of speed but feels strong, safe, seaworthy and so easy to sail. Being just the two of us one if often sailing single handed and her layout means that all evolutions are easily managed. Off the wind with the centreboard up she is incredibly docile as the centre of lateral resistance goes aft. Its part of the design and although I was expecting to see it was such a pleasure. This gives great confidence and of course means that the autopilot has it easy. We went through the whole sail wardrobe and am very p[leased with our choice.
December 16th, 2017
Canaries
Doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself. Apologies for taking so long to bash out a blog but its been great here in Lanzarote. On arrival we celebrated our first long trip on 'Pearl' and the wine tasted so good for the sense of achievement. Particularly for Tracey who up till now had only done one night at sea. It was grim off Ushant but as we sailed south so we pealed off the thermals and now I sit in the cockpit bashing this out in my shorts. They feel so liberating after dressing for the cold for so long. Its a nice temperature here although we do wear a fleece of an evening.
December 9th, 2017
Shorts
Pete called me from the Sat Phone at 1728. Position 32 52N, 12 30W.
They have been wearing shorts on board today for the first time. They have had to do a fair amount of motoring, but are really happy with the boat. Pete has changed the oil and they feel they are really getting to know all her little nooks and crannies. They are heading for Lanzarote and hope to be there the morning after tomorrow. They are in really good spirits and send love to all. Cheers, Stu
December 7th, 2017
Motoring down the coast of Portugal
1930 hours, called received from Pete with position 37 10'N, 11 04' W. All well on board. Pete and Tracey have motored Pearl down the coast of Portugal to get below a bog blow that was coming through, which they have done. The weather is getting warmer, which is lovely. They should get some wind tomorrow which will take them on to the Canaries. They feel like they have caught up on sleep and life is good. Cheers, Stu
December 5th, 2017
Off Finisterre
Pete sent me a message at 0536 this morning saying that they were off Finisterre. It has been a good trip so far, Pearl has been amazing and Tracey has now cracked the bay of Biscay. After a rough start and some motoring, they are now heading straight for the Canaries. The sun is rising over the Galicia mountains and although it is cold, the sun should start to warm them up. Every mile further south should ease the temperature and make the journey more pleasant. The picture is of Tracey dressed for the cold. Stu
PS - Just spoke to Pete and they are in great spirits and send love to all.
December 2nd, 2017
Under way
Pete sent me a text at 0748 to say they have cleared Guernsey and are heading for Ushant...'To the Canaries and beyond!' Fair winds guys. Stu
