Ceuta approach in the rain with Musto man!
After our week in the classroom it was time to put to the test what we had learnt, build up our miles of which we have to completed a minimum of 2500 before the exam in February. We have need 2 x 60 mile passages as skipper.
We were both ready for the night sails in 5 layers of clothing then waterproofs.
Paul demonstrating flares
Last night in Ceuta.
We provisioned up the boat, did all the necessary checks, plans and we were off from Gibraltar towards the Atlantic. We steamed along at about 5 knots on the engine as there simply wasnt any wind, even at Tarifa (the windiest place in Europe). However on we went and during the next week we experienced wind and rain. We continued to sail during the nights and berthed the boat early mornings so we could experience the port we were in during the day. We stopped at Barbate, Rota and Ayamonte in Spain then onto Lagos in Portugal. On the way back to Gibraltar we went to Ceuta again in Northern Africa. We completed nearly 500 nautical miles during the 2 weeks. We had a fabulous time, learnt an enormous amount about sailing, the weather and each other. Night sailing in the Atlantic is quite an experience as all you can hear is the waves and sails. You cant see any land or other boats and we were lucky as we had a full moon shining on the sea. Our shifts were 3 hours sleeping then 2 hours on watch through each night sail - exhausting particularly as it was cold and wet............... but we survived to tell the story. The boat was taking on water which as you will see below had to be bailed out - got to be done! So after washing some clothes and recovering we are into a Diesel engine course on Sunday, then further sailing skills in Gibraltar bay for the rest of next week.
Womans work - bailing out!
Ceuta approach in the rain with Musto man!
Paul demonstrating flares
Last night in Ceuta.
Womans work - bailing out!
This week was spent in the classroom completing Dayskpper theory, VHS radio and then into some very cold water for sea survial. Lovely weather all week,saw some more of Gibraltar and got to know or fellow students alot more. I launched myself off the boat on Wednesday and damaged my right foot, no broken bones but bruised. Limping the rest of the week............ just needed a black patch and a parrot!!!!!!!!!!!! On Tuesday we go on a 2 week passage, our destination depends upon the weather.......... we think Morroco then onto Portugal. After a week in the classsroom we are looking forward to putting into practice what we have learnt regarding navigation and plotting our passage - but not the sea survival.
Arrived in Gib, met up with our fellow sailors for the course and unpacked. Our first day was spent on the sailing yacht Stellar, a 11 metre Bavaria, in the bay of Gibraltar getting used to the yacht and dodging tankers. On Tuesday2nd November we set off to Ceuta - the Spanish enclave in Northern Africa, however the winds were not in our favour so we beared off and went to the port of Duquesa in Southern Spain. We then completed some night sailing and prepared for trip to the port of Estepeona on 3rd November. On 4th November as the winds were force 5 we set sail across the straits of Gibraltar for Ceuta which took us approx 7 hours. Our skpper during the trip was Paul and our instructor Scott continued to educate us and we all took turns at various tasks on the crossing. We have to admit one of the highlights was when we sailed with a school of dophins. We managed over 7 knots and the dolphins stayed with us for a few miles..... it was fantastic. The Maltese Falcon went past us in a flash, unfortunately not under sail.The straits of Gib are very busy with lots of enormous tankers so we had to continually keep an eye on what was happening. Back to Gib from Ceuta was a short 4 hour passage and practices some man overboard techniques and dodging the tankers in Gibraltar bay. So we completed our first week in one piece. I learnt an enormous amount and we both thorougly enjoyed it. Next week is spent in the classroom completing our Day Skpper theory and then onto a two week sailing passage.............. watch this space.
