Part Two

Hi everyone,
Well the second part of the jouney started yesterday 30 August at 0900hrs when we left Baiona Marina bound for Porto Santo in the Arquipelago Da Madeira 660 odd nautical miles. We had met a couple on another boat who were also going to leave for Purto Santo on Sunday morning and we both left at the same time, (Race ON) after sorting ourselves out and hoisting all sail the early morning breeze wasnt quite enough to stop us flopping about so we motor sailed the first couple of hours until the breeze got strong enough, since then we couldnt have wished for better wind, waves and weather, our exact position as I write this now is
40,43.90N , 10,33.61W Speed: 6 knots, Course: 237 deg. Wind north west F4. on a beam reach.
We have about 4 days to go if it remains as good as this. We had many ships pass us during the night as we started crossing the main shipping lanes at 2300hrs and finished at 0800hrs today, speed all night has been between 5 and 7knts. Further updates will be posted during the journey, Fred is driving the boat extremley well and saving Llew and myself a lot of phyisical effort.
More Soon
Llew-Roy

Arrival

Hi All, Llew has now joined the boat for a few weeks, he arrived Monday night at Davilia Sport Marina in Vigo port. He brought with him many items I had left behind and a few new bits. So Tuesday we did a trip to the Atlantic islands that protect Ria de Vigo from the ocean and make it a safe cruising area. After choosing a spot we anchored for the afternoon and went to the beach, found a beach bar for a snack and a beer then back to the boat and sailed to Miera to anchor for the night.
I hadnt done any shopping for fresh food so we went ashore and had the local favorite of grilled sardines + boiled potatoes and some smaller fish also grilled, a few beers as well.
As the boat is now ready to go I need a weather window again to leave the coast, the next Port of call is Ilha Do Porto Santo in the Arquipelago da Madeira, its approx 650 nautical miles away so have moved the boat again yesterday back to Baiona, its a short trip into the Atlantic from here, we had a lovely sail till about 3.00pm when the wind dropped off, then motored through the short cut called Canal de la Porta between Las Estalas islands and Monte Ferro to the anchorage.

We will wait here now for some pridictable weather that will last for the time it will take, Im looking for at least 7 days of settled conditions for the journey, 3 of which to get away from the coast and into the Atlantic proper.
Roy + Llew.

Ria de Vigo

Hi all, Have only uploaded video this time as its a 360deg view of Ria De Vigo, no comentary. I spent two days going to all the little towns around the Ria, there are many Viverio's (fish farms which appear to be rope grown mussel farms) to negotiate not adviseable at night as they are unlit, big and very low on the water, (nearly hit one at 6am frightened me to death) the start of video is the city of Vigo itself, then panning round (road bridge at the top) to the opposite side and ending with the Islands at the entrance, I visited them as well they are beautiful too, they have one magic place for cruising about here, well worth a holiday to, there is so much to see, most of the towns have an original bit of 'the old town' still standing. At Biaona I found a chapel that had been built by the Romans and destroyed in 1585 by 'Sir Francis Drake' the renowned (in Spain) English Pirate! I also found out the English gave this bay a name 'Bay one' it is the first bay outgoing ships from England would stop to take on water and provisions, gradually that name changed 'Bay uno' to todays 'Baiona'.
I am now ready to go to Puerto Santo in Madiera, Llew a good friend from Beaumaris is flying out on Monday for 3 weeks ish, and we will give it a go, weather as always permiting. Thanks to you Isabel, for your very good comment, its good to know I have many Galizian friends now, I will be seeing you again on my way back, meantime Ill keep in touch whenever I can.
Roy

Visit to Ria De Vigo

Left the marina at Baiona at 6am this morning Fri 07. August, as there are some high northerly winds F7 expected Fri and Sat, and I didnt like the berth in a north wind, have gone round the corner into Ria De Vigo to see the sights, went under the road bridge looking for somewhere sheltered to anchor, found nowhere suitable at the top so came half way back and am now anchored opposite the city of Vigo itself, the little bay is called Ensalada De Moana and the town 'Moana' Position: 42,16.92N , 8,43.43W, its full of fish farms, there is another place a bit further called 'Cangas' but the ferries go to and from Vigo every 30 mins all day so very busy, didnt fancy that, again fantastic scenery have taken more pics and a movie, will blog them when next on internet. Am now looking for somewhere I can have my forgotton bits, and a few new bits, posted to, by Lynne my sister, Ill look in a bar first, seem to be finding lots of contacts in bars. Oh forgot to say why I spent so long in Baiona, I have finally had to replace the last remaining battery fitted in 1994! it was on engine start duty when the other two got ruined, but has since been rotated with the two new ones, its sort of reduced the life of the battery that was on service with it so that is now a spare. I managed to get identical batteries they are 'AC Delco Freedom' Maint free.
Roy.

A thought for my crew

A thought for my Crew Sue and Dick, who had to go home after crossing the Bay of Biscay. I found out yesterday that Dick has now had his operation for a hip replacement which went well, I don't have any details except that it will probably take him some time and a lot of phisiyo to get the wasted mussle back up to full strength. Heres hoping you heal up as good as new Dick, try and keep in touch and tell me how your doing!
Roy

Camarinas to Baiona

well folks after fitting the new Cranze iron I celebrated of course and went to a sardines ba-ba-q in the street. Good fun but next morning I was up at 7am and got the boat ready for sea, this included lifting the main anchor which had dragged in the F7 of the day before, when up I had a weed ball the size of my dingy, took half an hour to get it off but there inside was my anchor I thought it had gone, the kedge as normal had worked first time but hadnt felt too safe in F7 hanging on a rope.
Anchor away at 10am and off I went, at the entrance is a church right on the beach rocks so picy of that, forecast was for N or NW wind F4 to F5 perfect. It was the best days sail Ive ever had in Guiding Light, with Fred helming I was free to fine tune everything, it is also the first time Ive gone downwind for any length of time, I came up on Finistere very quickly and because everything was going so well decided to give it a miss so picy of the Cape and lighthouse. It stayed like that up till 3am next morning when the wind finally died, and I had to motor the last couple of hours and nav my way into the Ria, (lots and lots of rocks), arrived at 7-30am tying up at 0800. a couple of picys of the town.

if success a movie of the Witches Brew

Hopefully this will work as its the first time Ive tried a video.
Roy.
PS sorry Isabel but had to post this as you were so good making the brew (it tasted ok too).

Broken Cranze Iron

Pictures here are of the Broken Bowsprit Cranze Iron, now made locally in Camarinas of stainless steel to the same design.
A closeup of the frame and Hydrovane for Simon in Dickies (click to enlarge) and a couple of views of Camarians itself, one of which has Guiding Light at anchor in the background.
Roy.
PS next post is about the journey to Baiona, it is were I am now, some pics as well.

Leaving A-Coruna (Sada) and Arriving Camarinas

Dont no why Images load back to front, never mind, The promised Pics of my last night in A-Coruna before leaving Sada Marina, I had decided on early doors that night, some food and the Nordeast and a few drinks in the canllela bar, wrote a text to the girls and just about to send when Isabel told me I had to go to La Madame bar to say goodbye, cut a long story but a party started as I arrived at 1130pm Isabele dressed up in medieval kit performed the making of the local brew chanting the ancient Galizian sayings, (pic 1) it was a medieval festival in Coruna, much drink Sonia closed the bar time ? 2am I think (The Bar Pic2 l-r Keka me Isabel Sonia) then off to a disco, dont remember the name but we had a good time dancing around, me like a demented idiot. Sonia took me back to Sada and dropped me there maybe 4-30 but I think it was more like 6am. Next pic is leaving Coruna with the Tower of Hercules in the foreground and next Pic is arriving at the entrance to Ria de Camarinas.
Roy

At Anchor in Ria de Camarinas

Well I have been waiting for the right moment and it was good to leave 24th July, left the berth at 3.15pm on passage for ethier Finistere or Bayona depending on wind/weather, plenty of wind so had to tack out of the Ria and by 6pm I took pics of the 'Tower of Hercules'
As expected the last effects of the Low pressure system were evident and a few rain squalls with F6 came through during the next few hours, however the swell plus wind waves gave a confused sea, the swell at approx 4mtrs and crossing waves at about 2-3mtrs made conditions a bit rough, I expected this to calm down a bit when I crossed the 500mtr contour which it did.
At about 3am 24th in a nice F5 and whilst making a cuppa (Fred has been doing the helming) we were hit by an enormous wave, then another wave and I heard an almighty BANG! thinking it could be a stay may have broken I checked the rig but could see no problem all seemed in good shape, I went down below again an again another wave hit ( think they were the wakes of big ships that had been passing) anyway another big BANG! it was then I spotted the outer jib was a bit slack on the luff, as I checked I found the boom end Cranse Iron had snapped in half, uh oh, thank god I had fitted the new Jib foot fitting otherwise I would be in all kinds of trouble, as it was the Jib Haliyard was supporting the mast but it was bouncing on the Backstay alarmingly, I was doing about 5-6 knots so I had to slow down by heaving too, hoping the haliyard and mast would not bounce so much, the backstay fitting is not so good anyway and a new one is on order as well. This worked, speed now was down to 2-3 knts and as the planned voyage was over I looked for an alternative. So here I am at Ria de Camarinas at anchor outside the harbour. Position: 43,7.74N , 9,10.47W
The wind outside has gone perfect to carry on but Im stuck till I fix this prob, have taken a photo which ill post later the 2 bangs were 1 the band cracked apart at the weld, then 2 with a split band it disorted with the jib/mast forces until it snapped at the bobstay attachment. Having checked this afternoon no other damage was caused.
Will also post the story of my last nights farewell that turned into a party later.
Roy
PS its a lovely spot to be stuck.

Redes and race

Isabel with her Dad, they came with me to Redes to take part in the race, Bacho's boat (in the lead) Martins boat close behind with GL taking the picture, of course chasing them.

Fun in Sada and Redes

A series of photos taken after finishing the major fitting job, and the test trip to Sada, also visiting Redes for their classic boat race. GL came 3rd of the bigger boats and received a prize for taking part.

Wind Pilot Test Day 16-07-2009

Well folks after quite a while Guiding Light is on the move again, the installation of the Hydrovane itself was completed during the week with loads of help from the girls and on Wednesday afternoon with a final bit of help from Carlos! Done! So Thursday was Test Day, Wednesday evening...thurs morning was spent with Sonia and Isabel culminating in 'La Madame Sans Gere' in celebration! with Patricia and Bacho as well. Sonia a very competant racing sailor and also teaches Yoga, (big boats) joined me at 9am later Thursday morning, and when ready for sea, we left the berth and fueled the boat. The wind was quite strong F5ish which made that a bit awkward, as we left in glorious sunshine, Carlos now with changed job as Sailing Instuctor, came alongside with his students to say good sailing, and Sonia + me began hoisting sail....as we were in the middle of that..... a rain squall came across the port F^in F6! Sonia dived below to get our waterproofs but to late for me! soaked dosent really describe it. Whilst we were in this condition I engaged the pilot for its first test, left Sonia already fully waterproofed watching it, and went below to change! SUCCESS!! the Hydrovane was driving the boat no problem. The test journey was to 'Sada Marina' at Sada in Ria de Betanzos Position: 43,21.51N , 8,14.79W, a double barreled reason, second part was for a social visit as well, during the next couple of hours we were close hauled, beam reach, broard reach and downwind on both tacks, the pilot performed perfectly, I couldnt help staring at it steering the boat with my tiller lashed amidships. Slight adjustments to the heading on the control line had imeadiate effect every time WOW WoW WOW.
Sonia lives in Sada and has her friend Anna a portrait painter staying with her, Isabel was born here, she is a Galizian through and through and has sailed these waters since she was 3 or 4 years old with her Dad! amazingly enough we found out only Wednesday that we share the same birth date of 7th April! how amazing is that! she is a local television actress, the television studios are in Santiago and because she was working recording her latest soap series was joining us later, her family live here too.
On arrival at Sada we were greeted by Casper! he is a very large Dolphin who visits Sada very often, I have to say so similar to 'Fungi' the Dolphin at 'Dingle' in southern Ireland, he played with the rudder and the boat for about an hour, all the way to the berth and while we were mooring, amazing.
With port formalities over we headed for Sonias house (with my wet laundry), Anna cooked a traditional Galizian lunch of grilled sardines and potatoes, small green peppers, some so hot they burn (we were all caught out), bread, pie and Sonias dips with Isabel's cakes for afters, Isabel arrived and joined us and we sat in Sonias garden veranda with the dogs and cats having a wonderful lunch, UNbelieveably good occasion. The evening was so lovely we all went back to the boat at 2000 for an evening sail, going there and back to 'Redes' Position: 43,25.06N 8,11.90W Anna had never ever been in a boat and when asked how she was enjoying it replied "I'm on a different planet" on the way back answering the same question said "it feels like I've done this all my life", Isabel and Sonia were singing traditional and some not so traditional songs at the top of their voices and much fun was had, sunset was specacular like the eye of Gandor as it came below the distant cloud bank and dipped below the Atlantic Ocean sea horizon, we arrived back at 2315hrs and off for a meal next to the Pirate bar, we were going to visit there as well but we were all too tired so decided to call it quits.
Today Friday 17 is catch up day for me.
Roy

Monday 13 July, not friday

I know everybody is checking and it appears nothing has happened for a bit,,,but,,,,,,well I havent moved except for turning the boat arse face about. Its difficult to explain, finding the people to do what you need is as difficult in UK as here in Espania, prob here is, for me, no Spanish, I am a Scouser however, and, I speak through my dnose and do a lot of waving my hands about (spilling drinks, OP's and my own) in an unknown and unwritten but internationaly recognised sign/sound language (if you can spell or draw pictures on beer mats as well) while pissed out of one's tree! in a strange bar, soooo,
I have achived the following here:-
1) at the sharp end, ermm, the end of the bow sprit, I fitted the jib sail foot fitting, it's only taken me 14 years to get round to that; Its been in the bosun's bag waiting all this time. Carolyn is right, but not only the house, my boat is also full of unfinished projects!
2) I found spinniker pole ends exactly 48m/m in dia that fit the home made (Dick and I) whisker poles (sawn in half dingy mast) fitted in Falmouth perfectly!! prob of losing jib sheets sorted. I did also file the sawn ends smooth.
3) Finding the right speck for the cockpit washboards, 2 sliding locks and 2 holes drilled, sorted! magic place. Dick & Sue should know exactly were they are now.
4) Main Sail! Llew can tell the story when off Ramsey in a F5 (I dont forget Llew's herculian heave with the Dingy), Llew holding the boat into the wind and me losing my grip on the boat and swinging overboard hanging on for grim death on the main halyard, pain in the arse, Ive fitted lazyjacks, dont like them on a classic boat but hell on my own its always been a bastard lowering the main, and energy consuming. tested and they work!! Sorted!
5) Running Backstays:- Well I've never figured out how to stop them rubbing the mainsail stitching away on the leeward side, Dick and myself came up with an option but no good, as on that side climbing out the cockpit is not the best idea when trying to tack on watch alone, 2 small blocks 1 each side and a piece of line running the backstay to were we had the idea. Sorted!
6) Finding a suitable wind steering device, measuring and ordering and receiving it here.
Im missing my golfing umbrella like mad. Cockpit gets wet! Dick had to go home with it.
7) Sourcing a Stainless steel supplier. Then an engineering company to bend it.
8) Sourcing a wood Yard who Has Teak! then sizing and receiving.
9) most important, designing a sympathatic to boat design, bracket mounting, trying to follow the lines of the hull for the Hydrovane auxillary rudder, then manufacturing and fitting it alonside in a Marina!
Soooo Ive been a bit busy to do a blog update. have crap internet, but will try and post some pics before I leave here.
Roy

Small update

Hi all, well it has taken since arrival in Spain, but finally found a place to get some Methylated spirits, after a lot of blank stares as Ive trying to explain the stuff I wanted. For future info its called 'Alcahol Quemar', I took a chance and bought a bottle of the stuff cos it had the same warnings on the label, 'bingo' it was were I found parrafin which they use both for starting bar-ba-q's, a bonus is it doesnt smell, so that is even better.
Next success is the Hydrovane wind steering, have to make a bracket to fit it on the stern but have been assured it will work, after talking to 2 guys who have fitted this type to their yachts Ive made the right choice as well, they have all had other types fitted but say this is the best and no problem fitting to the boat. Of course its not as easy as that and finding a firm here who can supply the stainless steel has taken over a week. On a shortcut back to the boat I came across bar 'La Madame sans Gere' they sell Guinness!! first time couldnt remember going home, second time I got talking to the girls Sonia and Isabel about the problems of finding material, we were overheard by Carlos, who is working as a plummer here and comes from Madrid, cut a long story but he took me to a firm yesterday and the steel is now ordered and being made, soon to be fitted.

Test Message

Hi all again,
further to the blog this morning,
This is another test as Carolyn and myself still have an issue with posting, hope this time its ok
Forgot to mention how many hrs the engine has been running as if anyone is interested, well when on the point in Beaumaris it was up to 594 that was when the engine blew up! so since then we went to Holyhead, Beaumaris, Liverpool, Holyhead, and the journey to Falmouth, Gijon, Ria de Vivero and La Coruna. Concidering the times I was charging the Batts and fixing probs which is all included the hour counter now stands at 724 only 130hrs for this trip so far, I had full fuel in liverpool before leaving last year and we fueled up in Falmouth, not empty, Im not empty now either. So fuel wise engine is doing ok and is economical.
present boats Position: 43,22.4N , 8,23.9W.
Roy

La Coruna at last

Hi All, Well at last the boat is here, I arrived at 10am yesterday, signed in the office and went to ´the wet room´ and slept till 4pm, then shower do the laundry and then to the bars, a bit of Tapas and a few Cevesa normal followed with Mejillones al vapour, very nice too.
I have now logged 951.6 nautical miles since leaving Holyhead, think Ill be opening a bottle of champane soon as the first 1000 miles is soon to be reached. Pic is titled ´Lifes a Beach´ at anchor Vivero, hope to have many like this and prob bore the pants off everyone. The deal at this brand new Marina is 2 for 1, pay one day get one free! msg for Clew, no visiters moorings anymore, fuel berth has moved and your bar is still there!
I will be designing, and hopefully making and fitting a bracket to the arse end, this to fit a mechanical crew member called ´Fred´ (wind steering auxillary rudder) made by Hydrovane I´m hoping they say it will fit ok.

Lifes a Beach

Still At Ria de Vivero

Waiting for a weather window again, La Caruna is only 11hrs away as my next port of call but another bad forecast has kept me here today, force 7 everywhere in sea area Finistere!!! apparently there is a north west swell running into the Bay of Biscay too, and the predicted wind is North east, 90deg difference which makes for a very rough sea, I or the boat won't be havin any of that thank you very much. The town here is very nice, as are the bars. The local people couldnt be more friendly, my thanks go to the proprieter of Motomar, Luis proprieter of a hardware shop, Clara from information comercial and others who helped me very much with a slight acquistion of materials problem, both of which were sorted out AOK. The local beer is only 1 euro a glass, and a lot of bars and resurants have a sign saying 'Si Fuma' Magic! what more can I say.

Northeastern Spanish 'Ria's

As the weather is still very cloudy/warm with little wind, decided to do a couple of hops on my way to La Caruna. This coast line from the sea is very forbidding, and can be very rough in bad weather, its a bit like the rocky Cornish coast, just as spectacular. Seeing the Atlantic swell crashing against the rocks as you navigate into the Ria entrance, even with no wind is a sight to see. So I Left Gijon 2.30pm Sat.afternoon 13/06 for the 100ish mile journey to 'Ria de Vivero' arriving here at 1800hrs Sunday night. I was very tired after the trip but decided to anchor just off the curving sandy beach were the river joins the Ria. This meant a lot more work, just when you think you've finished, the dingy has to be pumped up, outboard motor unshipped and fitted, but the little dingy trip up the river to the Marina and the the local football bar in the old town with free Tapas, a nice cool beer and a Fag, all at the same time, it just makes it all worth while. Position: 43,40.49N , 7,36.2W. Had a wonderfull quiet nights sleep and awoke to a flat calm. The scenery here is something else!
Roy

June Latest

pic downwind with home made whisker poles
Hi all, well its taking a few days to get my head round doing it by myself again, I was getting really used to having help with running the boat. First thing I did was go to the Guinness Bar, the barman Franco fed me about 5 pints (carnt remember) next morning mind was a blank sheet again so could start from scratch. Have rotton weather here, but will furkle a bit further today, no wind and that fine drizzle. I will make for Ria de Vivereo but as with any trip if it looks good for La Caruna I will do that instead. Thanks to everyone whos posted comments and support to Dick Sue and myself, all much apreciated. Looking now for a mechanical crew member that can steer the boat.

Unfortunate misshap

We have had a misshap on board and we have broken a crew member, Dick. He has seriously torn a ligiment in his left leg and is in a lot of pain. After a visit to local hospital for x rays etc. he was told to heal will take 6 weeks ish, he will now be going home with Sue to recuperate. As you can imagine he is not too pleased about this, niether are Sue and myself. I will be carring on slowly and visit the 'Rias' of north western Spain on my way to the Canaries. Hopefully he will heal quickly and they can rejoin the boat soon. Weather here is warm ish but having a lot of rain from the persistant low's that are around at present. Time for some more little nigerly jobs to clear off the work list. Finally found the problem with engine to be the govenor slide sticking, so have repaired that and engine is back to normal at long last. More news later
Roy

Leaving falmouth 2

June Update 2

Leaving Falmouth

Hi all, well we made it ok, Friday saw a low develop right in front of us at 9am, the wind had gone, then the wind came back from the west and increased all the way to a Force 7, staying there till we docked at 7pm Sat evening, whew. As you know we couldnt make La Caruna in that wind direction so we are now in Gijon enjoying the visit. More later
Roy-Sue-Dick

June:Update:No.1

Hi all, Well a good weather window saw us leave Falmouth yesterday. We left at 12.45hrs from the fuel quay, (they ran out of deisel so not full). There was a nice breeze for leaving and very kindly Mr Chris Waddington (Puritan) of Royal Southern YC took our camra in his dingy and took some really good photos of our departure. The best will be posted when we arrive in La Caruna in a few days. The weather here as I write is wonderfull, we are going downdwind with our makeshift whisker poles in action and very successful, we are nealy round the corner into the Bay of BiscayPosition: 48,35.99N , 5,25.19W Speed: 3 knots, Course: 176 deg.
I am off watch now and ready for a doze after lunch, Dick is at the tiller with Sue on watch with him. We have an ETA of 97hrs too the breakwater at La Caruna. Keep your eye on the Blog.
Roy-Sue-Dick