• Gibraltar, our Hotel California

    Do we stay or do we go?

    Still very happy on the boat in Tanja marina but now considering going back to Gibraltar for the repair. The work on the boom has ground to a halt as the man from Rif Mountains was too busy. So work was not going forward.

  • Tangiers Morocco

    The northern most tip of Africa so close to Europe is full of interesting sights and tastes influenced by the native Rif, Berber, French, Spanish and American. It is a thriving modern city where you can buy almost everything.

  • Scotland to Morocco

    In the last days of August we left UK to head for the Carribbean via the Canary islands. That was the general plan anyway! Always bending to the wind with Captain Neptune and to the general adventurous nature of our lives at sea.

  • Back again in Scotland

    Sailing across the Irish sea and then around the Mull on a favourable tide. But remember: do not hurry, this is a pleasure craft! So let’s anchor for the night. There will be less wind tomorrow.

  • Bye Newry Ireland and thank you

    The last days in Newry pass quickly with pleasant walks in the countryside. The boat is still moored alongside the Albert Basin at the end of Newry canal right in the center of the city. Thank you people of Newry and Mourne for your help during the winter.

  • Ireland and Scotland

    After being on the water for a long time, sailing almost the entire Mediterranean sea from East to West and then the North Atlantic Ocean, adjusting to land life takes some time. But it is easier to arrive in a little village then in a big town.

  • To Ireland in six weeks

    Its time to fullfill one of my dreams: sailing to Scotland and Ireland. Stella is flying to Bodrum on June 5 and we will leave Gulluk on June 7. The total journey is around 3400 miles. At an asumed average speed of 5 knots that is 28 days of continuous sailing. But this is Covid time….

  • Gibraltar

    It is hard to believe…back in Gibraltar -where I did my yachtmaster fast track at Allabroad- after sailing more than 12.000 miles around Africa. Clare, Dave and Lee of the sailing school are still there and nice to talk again with sailing instructor Martin and “STCW” James Holman. Now is a good time to do repairs and to buy essential marine parts: spare waterpump, hull cleaner, a new pully to hoist the dinghy, the list is long but there is not enough time.
  • Mindelo to Gibraltar

    The challenge to go to Europe: sailing at least 21 days close haul for more than 2000 nautical miles against the tradewind from Mindelo on Sao Vincente, one of the Cape Verde islands, to Gibraltar at the entrance of the Mediterranian sea. The weather on route to Gibraltar can be unstable this time of year and the wind not favourable. It is not possible to get an accurate weather prediction for the next 21 days so it is a bit of a gamble too….
  • Mindelo

    At arrival on Sao Vincente, one of the Cape Verde Islands, we anchor under sail in the motor vessel anchorage as the engine does not seem to be working well. After arrival we go ashore to check in and discover that it is Canaval! Everything is closed as the whole town is watching the parade this afternoon. We eat, watch the scenery and relax in a Spanish restaurant. Beside French tourists there are many locals of Creole, Chinese, African and Indian roots looking at the colourfull parade, a true mishmash of people.