The ARC Europe Transatlantic RallyMoonstruck was a participant in the 2007 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. |
Leg III - The Azores to Portugal
Alan's Log:
Joan's
Log:
Saturday June 16th, 2007
After a wonderful but not long enough visit to the Azores, the final leg of our transatlantic journey began today at noon! We had wonderful NW winds at 20 to 25 knots to blow us away from the Azores and towards Lagos and the dolphins and a whale came out to say goodbye and see us off. We are sailing with Belle, Onyx, Apparition, Oread, Reshaunta, Gyatso and JSea, while Marisa, and Flinesse headed north for England. We are all set with a dogged determination! GETTING THERE! (in one piece, of course). We are hoping that Rosario will join up with us by the time we get to Portugal.I was pretty much done with touristing by the time we got to Sao Miguel, which is a shame as it is a large island with tons of small villages and several small ports. It was shrouded in mist almost for our entire visit however and I was glad to leave and be back underway on the last leg of our voyage. This leg should be around 900NM, a short hop compared with the last leg, and in an area with a simpler menu of likely weather for our voyage. We have a good forecast, with winds of up to 25kts from the West, South West and North West for the first three days which will give us a very good start.
We made friends with John and Ashela on JSEA while we were in Ponta Delgada. John is from Vancouver and has sailed most of the voyage so far with only half of his rudder! The remaining half was giving way as he arrived in Sao Miguel and was repaired last night. At 5:00 Friday evening, the yard started work. They hauled his boat out of the water, examined the damage, removed the remaining parts of fibreglass rudder blade from the Stainless Steel skeleton and welded on a temporary steel rudder made from two custom bent plates of steel. They applied two coats of epoxy, filled the fillets and at 9:30 pm left it to dry overnight, all while John attended the cocktail party in our honour. In the morning (This is Saturday morning) they added a coat of anti-foul and had him back in the water in time to leave with the rest of us at Noon. The Azores is an amazing place to have work done on your boat. I can not think of a yard anywhere that would have taken on work like that on a Friday evening and had it complete the next morning!
At Noon the last leg of the rally began, we topped off water tanks, refuelled and unrolled the jib and headed out into the sunshine for a downwind romp to Lagos, Portugal, leaving Sao Miguel shrouded in a grey blanket of rain.
Father's Day
Sunday June 18th, 2007
Father's Day in America, seems so far away. We lost Sirius Radio over a week ago, so have no idea what is going on in the world, which isn't a bad thing. It is a beautiful sunny day, warm enough for sun bathing! Moonstruck is romping along under the spinnaker, making good time. Alan got spice rubbed pork ribs, potato salad, and a fresh green salad for his Father's Day dinner!Today we were visited by a huge pod of dolphins. Despite the feeling that the water was full of the beautiful creatures it was surprisingly difficult to take a good picture, as these shots illustrate!
Then followed Emails from Andrew, Lauren, and Courtney and Race reports from Dad and Brad on the Le Mans 24 hour and the Indy F1 race. All while 500 miles out to sea. A very cool Father's day!
Rock & Roll!
Monday June 18th, 2007
At the risk of sounding like a whiner...it was a bit unpleasant out here on the ocean today. Big rollers were hitting us on the side and a deep swell caused Moonstruck to roll uncomfortably. Alan, for the very first time on the entire voyage has felt ill. In these kind of conditions being below decks is a challenge, especially cooking! Which is why I was so glad I bought a few frozen meals from a woman at the marina in Sao Miguel, who was returning home to the States after 6 years in the Med.
A few things I have learned about cooking at sea; never, ever, EVER expect something to stay where you put it; if you think something might spill, it will; open cupboards with extreme caution; and three hands are better than two! Lastly, at the risk of sounding a "bit" nuts... you know you have been on the ocean too long when you keep singing the "Kazhakstan National Anthem" from the Borat film, over and over and over in your head and out loud. Help, it won't stop!
300 Miles to go
Tuesday June 19th
I can feel it, the excitement is building! We're getting a little giddy and we're getting close, only 300 miles to go!!! We're thinking Thursday morning, and we don't care, the hell with sails, we have the engine going full steam!Oh, by the way, after 42 days at sea, today aliens tried to control our brains. We could tell something was happening by the strange static we heard on the VHF radio and fortunately we were able to take defensive measures with protective aluminum foil helmets.
Land Tomorrow
Wednesday 20th June, 2007
At the rate we are moving we will be in Lagos by lunch tomorrow!!! We spent the day preparing for land, a little work on the tan, washing clothes and for the hardest working one of us all it was Breakfast Tea in Bed!
I wish we had some champagne on ice for our arrival tomorrow, but cold beer will do. The past few days have been just beautiful, but very light wind, partly why we are motoring. The drone of the engine, makes us sleepy and reflective. I for one, am thrilled to be so near the end of our voyage. I am ready for the land based part of our life on Moonstruck to begin. What I mean is, the exploring of Portugal, and Spain and later the Mediterranean countries. With the exception of France, this will be my first time to visit them and have been anticipating this for many, many years, can't believe it is about to begin!
WE MADE IT!!!!!! I MADE IT!
Thursday June 21st, 2007
We crossed the Atlantic together. A major passage, not just in nautical miles but a major milestone in life's journey….. And the adventure of my life! To have shared it with Alan, for whom my love is deeper than any ocean, made it that much sweeter. The Captain loved every moment of the voyage, and was completely in his element. Throughout he remained animated; confident; enthusiastic; and supportive, and was always there to hold my hand through the dark hours.The "Seabrook and Saltmarsh Silver Service" (Martin and Colin) are the best crew and friends EVER! They were always considerate and kind and could always be relied upon, no matter what; who always offered me tea, even though they knew I don't drink it, but just in the off chance I might change my mind. Thank you for giving so much of your time away from home and family. It was a pleasure and a privilege to share this voyage with you.
Of the ocean, I have a healthy respect for. At times comforting and calm; always shimmering and pulsing with movement and life. She also has her dark side and is without a doubt moody and unpredictable. She tested us a bit and threw a few tantrums, but nothing Moonstruck or we couldn't handle. Thank you for being good to us.
Herb Hilgenberg, my shining beacon of light! And a girl's best friend on a stormy ocean, thank you! His help was invaluable. My advice to anyone considering a transatlantic crossing…get Herb "on board"!
To Hylas Yachts, thank you for building us one amazing boat!
To my Father… thanks Dad, for coming along with me for the ride.
Joan.
THANK YOU ALL, for following our adventure and for your support and emails. You lifted our spirits in difficult times and helped us feel we were not alone out there so again THANK YOU!!!
We will continue with this site, but will now update it for each destination, approximately every week or so. If you would like to be included on a list which will send you an email notification of updates to the site please send me an email and let me know.
Peace and good wishes to all
Alan.
Next......Lagos, Portugal