Saturday17th to Friday 23rd August

Apart from a total of 10 miles there and back to Alvor for Sunday night Imagine has stayed in Lagos marina. She'll be here now until next Spring. We're stripped the sails off, moused all the running rigging, cleaned her inside and out. A new anchor roller is being built for us and the engines will be winterised and serviced when I return for 3 days in October. We'd love to carry on sailing but we've got exciting reasons to be returning home. It's been a season of two halves; first the challenging trip to get down here after weeks of preparation and months of planning. We did our longest non stop passage of 580nm to Bayona. We had some great sailing days, strong winds and miserable weather, and then we turned the corner into the Algarve. Since then we've visited pretty much every anchorage and marina between here and Cadiz and welcomed four lots of guests to join us. We've got used to wearing only shorts and t shirts. We've forgotten what rain looks and feels like. We've had great company and visited some great places. Our total logged distance is 1760.1 nm and combined engine hours of 402.1. Next year the Med.

Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th August

It was only a short distance to Portimao from Albufeira. With no discernible wind the motor did the work. It was good to be back at anchor tucked in close to the beach. In the morning we took a long dinghy ride up to the town. It must have been a saint's day as most things were shut. After wandering around we found the Pingo supermarket which was the highlight of our trip. The distance to Alvor was even less. We crept in at low tide and felt our way to anchor near the town. It was Emily's opportunity to eat sardines at a restaurant. Before lunch on the friday we moved round to the entrance to the lagoon. Our final leg of the journey back to Lagos was a matter of 8 miles so it was good to sail most of it in 20 knots of wind. Emily and Raff are leaving tomorrow and Lucinda and I only have a week before we head home. We've achieved our main aim of crossing Biscay and getting to Portugal. It's been wonderful to have friends aboard and to spend the summer just in t shirts and shorts. I's a bit sad to be packing up while the weather is so good but we have excellent reasons for leaving now. We've covered some 1750 miles and journeyed the complete coast of Portugal and then some.

Sunday 11th to Tuesday 13th August

We headed out early from Tavira to avoid getting stuck at low water. There was no wind but the ebb tide whipped up standing waves and a steep swell over the bar. Once out at sea things calmed down and with no wind we motored west. A large tunny net forced us out to sea before we entered the lagoon inside of Culatra. We motored beyond the town and anchored among the boats off the beach. Later after a swim ashore we repositioned in shallow water off the town. After exploring the town and having a drink we got back to the boat at sunset. There was just enough light for us to manoeuvre to a deeper spot for the night. On the Monday we did some shopping and then, later in the day, walked to the beach on the ocean side of the island. We had an indifferent supper on the island but the plentiful wine was palatable. After another expedition to the shops we headed off at lunchtime.

Saturday 10th August.

We had an early start to catch the ebb down the river. As we had time we left the Guadiana and headed 18 miles west to Tavira. We found an anchorage a short way up the river and took the dinghy to explore. If you like golden sands with wall to wall umbrellas, a row of beach bars, and a bass background beat then this is the place for you. We went to a fancy restaurant ashore and decided to leave when we could in the morning.

Wednesday 7th and Friday 9th August.

Sue and Roger arrived by train from Faro. We went into town in the evening and then headed up river the following morning. Getting back to Alcoutim was returning to familiar territory with familiar faces saying hello. Emily and Raff flew into Seville on the Friday and were picked up and delivered all the way to the boat. That evening was rock night in the cafe with a touch of Elvis.

Thursday 1st to Tuesday 6th August

The bus journey to Lisbon airport was straightforward. In VRSA the bus station is by the marina and the 9:30 bus took us to Lisbon where we caught a shuttle to the airport. We were back in the UK for the Wilkey wedding which was very special. It was wonderful to see the kids, Hester and Grete. And then it was back to Heathrow this time flying to Madrid. The flight was delayed and it took ages to get out of the airport in Spain. We managed to get to the train station with 30 minutes to spare. The TGV took us to Seville where we checked into a hotel by the station. We ate in town that evening and explored the amazing cathedral and royal palace the following day. We then took the bus back to VRSA. The boat was intact and unscathed.

Wednesday 31st July

Kennan and Melanie got home safely last night. In the evening it was show time in the bar. We had supper while listening to old rockers reliving their youth with a mix of classic rock combined with sub country and western. One of the guitar players was quite good and had been in recognised band in his youth before joining the police. When the tide turned we headed back down the river. The bridge looked as low as ever but on our 4th time under we had a moderate degree of confidence that we would make it. We moored in the marina in Vila Real and I went up to see the scary lady in the office to see if she would let us stay for a week. We were in luck and the boat will remain until we get back from the UK. The bus station is opposite the marina and a 9:30 bus to Lisbon is booked. So far so good.


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Sunday 28th to Tuesday 30th July

We left the marina at 14:33 just after low tide in order to catch the flood up the river. I held my breath as we passed under the road bridge. Looking up it looked as though the top of the mast must touch the bridge. When we got to Alcoutim/Sanlucar there was no room on the pontoons on either side, so we anchored. We took the dinghy to the Portuguese side for a drink and ate on the boat. During the night we swung back and forth with the current but seemed very secure. On the Monday a space opened up on the pontoon on the Portuguese side and we hurriedly pulled up the anchor and went for it before anyone else noticed. We looked round the town and stocked up in the Chinese store. Kennan was keen to have sardines so we had lunch in a restaurant. Sadly sardines were off but he consoled himself with chicken and chips. We then walked to the fluvial beach. The evening was fairly typical; drinks ashore and then food in the cockpit. We got chatting to some in the local community who are a 'rum' bunch whatever that means. Our guests left early on the 30th with a transfer direct to Seville airport from the top of the pontoon. We're not giving up a valuable space on the pontoon so will stay until tomorrow. While it was still relatively cool we had a walk. Later on we tidied up and gave the boat a good clean.

Saturday 27th July

In the morning Kennan and I walked down to the each where I had a paddle and he had a swim. Once again tides dictated when we left which was early afternoon. The wind was strong and coming for the direction of our destination. Melanie and Kennan got a taste of what sailing can be about as we slowly bashed our way upwind. Fortunately we only had to do this for about 4 miles after which we could bear away and head for the river entrance. We etched once again in VRSA and headed for town. Our guests treated us to moist home cooked cakes from the market which we ate on the boat after supper in the town square.

Friday 26th July

We had to wait for the flood to be able to leave our mooring. We couldn't leave until 3pm. It took a long time against the current sail due east to get out of the river. Once out at sea our course was then pretty much to the west. Sadly this was the direction the wind was blowing from. We battered our way slowly to windward and it took about 3 hours to get to the point on the sea parallel to the marina in the river. The passage was tedious but fortunately not too long and it was 8pm when we moored in Isla Canela.

Thursday 25th July

We decided to do a fairly long leg straight to El Rompido. We couldn't leave until the office opened and I wanted to get there near high tide. We had to motor for the first 5 hours as the winds were light. However the wind picked up in the early afternoon and we had a pleasant close reach averaging over 7 knots to get us to the marina by 5pm with just over 56 miles covered. We were moored just behind a 62 foot catamaran which made Imagine look puny. Timing was perfect to pack up the boat, have a drink and then go to the beach for supper. Kennan and I stayed behind to watch the big brass band in the town square.

Thursday 25th July

We tried to get away early for a longish leg to El Rompido. The wind was light for the first few hours. It picked up in the early afternoon and we closed reached the rest of the way in 15 to 20 knots of wind. Last Monday they moved the channel into the rivers one 200 metres to the west. That caused a few anxious moments as I wasn't aware of it and the chart plotter had us sailing over dry land. We considered anchoring but with limited space, shallow water and Spring tides we decided to go back to the marina. We are now berthed next to a 62 foot Lagoon catamaran. Makes me feel humble. A shower, drink and then off along the shore to the restaurants.

Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th July

The anchor held overnight and we headed off mid morning to Rota on the west side of the bay. It was only 6.5 miles but the paperwork in the marina took almost as long to complete as the journey over. We just had time to go into town for some food shopping before Kennan and Melanie arrived from Seville. In the afternoon our guest wandered down to the local beach and in the evening we went into Rota to eat. We discovered the other more popular and extensive beach. We walked along it back to the boat. In the morning we took the ferry across the bay to Cadiz. This historic town has a new cathedral built in the 1800s, some cool alleyways and a shop selling cod pasties. We stocked up in the food market and ate lunch nearby. It was hot in the early afternoon when we took the ferry back to Rota. A walk, shower and supper on board.

Monday 22nd July

Chipiona was marginally better than Mazagon although there was nothing obviously of interest on shore. We refuelled and wafted gently downwind towards the Bay of Cadiz. I even got the parasail up once more. It's a lot of work although it does look magnificent when it's flying. We anchored just off the Puerta de Sante Maria in a bay with a small beach and industrial backdrop. I took the opportunity to take our cabin to bits in search of the electric winch controller. I finally tracked it down behind a small panel, but only after I had removed most of the ceiling. I now think the winch switch is OK and the controller has failed, but I'm not certain. One thing I'm sure of is that it's muscle power for the time being to turn the starboard winch.

Sunday 21st July

Lucinda's not happy. The sky is grey. It's almost cold enough to consider dumping t shirts for something with long sleeves. We motor away from land in winds too light to sail. Gradually the skies clear and a breeze fills in from the south west and we have a couple hours of relaxed sailing as we close the coast. With a few miles to go a small pod of dolphins cross some 300m in front of us. Several dolphins do some tricks for our benefit, leaping clear of the water face to face, and then clear off. There's no fuel Sunday afternoon so we park in the marina, wash down the boat and head into town. We're in Chipiona. We hope the restaurants are good. We're off to find out.

Friday 19th and Saturday 20th July

We had a pleasant sail along the coast to El Rompido. We crossed the shallow bar on the Rio Piedras and slowly made our way up the channel with beaches on both sides for about 4 miles. The marina was ok and our walk ashore took as past rows of holiday restaurants along the beach. We picked one which served excellent food and we sat on the edge of the beach watching the tide go out. Today (Saturday) we made further slow progress further east in light winds. We ended up in Mazagon at the mouth of the Ria de Huelva. All the Spanish marinas are deserted and I know why. They made a mistake with our bill and charged me monohull rates. When they realised they made me pay the balance. The marina manager was very apologetic. He has no discretion and he told me all the boats had left for cheaper marinas. It's more anchoring from now on. They don't even have WiFi here! We walked ashore but there was nothing to see. We're not coming back here again.

Monday 15th to Thursday 18th July

We weighed anchor mid morning and motored out of the lagoon. A sail of 33 miles brought us to the mouth of the river Guadiana which marks the border between Portugal and Spain. We stopped in the marina in Ayamonte on the Spanish side. It was almost deserted. We looked round the town that evening and also explored the following morning. Nothing to get too excited about. We left to go up river in the afternoon of the 16th July. We had to wait to get the flood up the river. One other factor was we had to pass under a bridge. The marina said it was 20m high, the pilot book said 20.5m and the chart said 18m. As we know our mast is more or less 20m high I thought it a good idea to go under at low tide. The mast looked as though it would hit the bridge, it always does. Safely through we sailed nearly 20 miles up the river to the twin towns of Alcoutin (Portuguese) and Sanlucar de Guadiana (Spanish). An extraordinary community of live aboard yachties resides here. Most are Brits who came up the river and stayed, some for weeks, others for months or years or decades. Alcoutin was the livelier of the villages with bars, a couple of restaurants, a Chinese shop, a beach with sand and swimming, and a ATM. I can't envisage wanting anything more. We managed to find a slot on the pontoon on the Spanish side.wewere the talk of the town as this space is occupied permanently by a local bigwig. Our chance only came because he had ran his boat aground and holed it down the river. On Thursday we headed back down the river with the tide and this time went to the marina on the Portuguese side in Vila Real de Santo Antonio (VRSA). Calling the marina on the VHF was more of mouthful but they found us space. In contrast to Ayamonte this marina was crowded, not surprisingly as it was much cheaper. VRSA was also livelier. We've been told that Portugal was all about fish whereas in Spain meat is the main dish on the menu. That seems to be the case and I'm happy to be on the pork after all that fish.

Friday 12th to Sunday 14th July

We were delighted to leave Vilamoura to anchor off the Isla da Culhatra. This island protects a large lagoon from the sea with Far at its eastern end and Olhao to the north. On our first night at anchor it was quite windy so we stayed aboard to look after the boat. The following day we took the dinghy a shore for a walk through town and out onto the board walk that led us over dunes to the beach. The beach was pretty deserted and windswept. No deck chairs, no umbrellas,no ice creams. That evening we ate on the beachfront, grilled fish or grilled fish. Who knew that anchovies could be so big? The next day sadly Colin and Alison had to leave. We all took the ferry to Olhao and after a drink we headed back while they took the bus to Faro and onto the airport.

July 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th

Colin and Alison came walking up the pontoon in mid-afternoon. After arriving at Faro airport a shuttle bus brought them to Lagos. In the evening we went into town for a meal. The following day, the 9th, we motored along the caves just west of Lagos before slowly sailing the few miles back to Alvor. This time we anchored by the entrance for a few hours before moving close to the town in the early evening. We then had supper by the water front. Grilled sardines are the local speciality but I opted for chops. In the morning we took the dinghy ashore and walked along the dunes and then back via the beach. We then motored out of the lagoon and sailed the few miles to Portimao. Here we anchored just inside the harbour entrance. In the evening we took the long journey ashore to a great seafood restaurant. Colin went once again for sardines while the rest of us had other fresh grilled fish. Today (11th) we had a delightful sail for 20 miles down the coast. Some of it was wonderful, pristine and undeveloped. Most of it had concrete blocks which periodically blossomed into a group of concrete towers. We're now in Vilamoura, a brash marina surrounded by shops and restaurants and flats, gaudy and ghastly and grotesque. We plan to leave tomorrow.

July 7th and 8th

After arriving in Lagos we cleaned the boat, attended the prize giving dinner and then bade fond farewell to all those who had been on the Rally. We all took a taxi to Faro and within a few hours we were back in London weather. It was wonderful to see the kids and Hester, and Grete and other family and friends. we made a flying visit to Melton to see the house that we had bought while we were away. In no time at all we were back on the plane, this time to Lisbon. After a straightforward bus rip we were back in Lagos. For the first few days the wind was strong and there was a swell outside the harbour, so we stayed put and explored the area. Yesterday Infinite Dream and ourselves went round the bay to Alvor for the night. We dried out as I had to change the anodes. We are now back waiting for Colin and Alison to arrive to join us.

Tuesday 25th June

The last leg. 6 am and the rally boats had a mass motor across the narrow starting gate. With light winds it was motoring most of the way. That was unfortunate for Serendipity whose engine packed up and had to be towed much of the way. The wind and seas got up as we passed Cape St Vincent where we dipped our ensign in the tradition to honour Lord Nelson and the famous victory against the Spanish fleet. Once round the Cape the wind stayed on the nose and we motored the rest of the way to Lagos. Here we are. A sense of achievement, some relief to have made it without any major mishaps, and enormous thanks to Lucinda and to Michael and Susan, as well as Jonathan, who helped make it all possible and such a great trip. After tidying up the boat we'll be going back to the UK for a few days. We will be back.

Monday 24th June

Insights into marina shower blocks. Always check there is paper in the toilet; be wary of dispensers which prevent you seizing the torn end of the paper; movement sensors will leave you in the dark sitting on the toilet if you are the only person in the block; the shower will be too cold or too hot, sometimes both in the same shower; you will always leave something essential on the boat, this may be a razor blade, the soap or your underwear.

There was a pontoon party of sorts on arrival. In the morning we were guided round the town. First stop was a surreal fisherman's museum on the bottom floor of an underground car park. We then went to the castle where Vasco Da Gama was born. The most famous inhabitant this town ever had and they banished him for being too powerful and overshadowing the church authorities. Prize giving, once again no mention of the multihulls. In the evening drinks on Infinite Dream and out to eat.

Sunday 23rd June

My last chance to get a reasonable start and we were third over the line. In light winds and rolling seas we were rapidly overhauled by the faster boat. In disgust we motored. The rest of the day we interspersed periods of downwind sailing with motoring to get us back on course. We 're now in Sines. One leg to go.

Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd of June

We had lots of jobs stacked up for the Friday. We dried our the Parasail and inspected the damage; sadly a job for a sailmaker. By going in the dinghy and throwing saucepans of water at the side of the boat we think we have finally identified the source if the leak in the starboard engine bay. Now, until the next breakage, only the autopilot to fix. Michael and Susan painted a fantastic mural on the harbour wall while Lucinda and I went shopping. In the evening we had a buffet supper and prize giving. On Saturday M&S took the train to Lisbon while L&D went on a tour to Sintra and Cascais taking in the most westerly point if mainland Europe on the way.

Thursday 20th June

The morning was miserable. Leaden skies and grey seas and an 8:30 start. The wind was directly behind and we tried running with both foresails. That was ok but caused the genoa to chafe as it bent a stanchion at the bow. More expense. So out came the Parasail which looked magnificent except we lost the snuffing line which was whistling in the breeze. Down came the Parasail and it dragged in the water behind us like soggy bloomers. Eventually we rounded the headland and the wind gusted to 40 knots. At last in a full on force 8 everything was great. And then we crossed the line, second again out of two; a podium place. Time for a G&T and early night.

Wednesday 19th June

We left early to be sure of getting to Peniche in good time. It was a straightforward downwind leg in lumpy seas. The ocean was steel grey in colour and menacing. We averaged over 8 knots and recorded a surge of 13.3 knots down the face of a malicious wave.

Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th June

On the Sunday we had an all say tour to Coimbra. On the way we stopped for a coffee and pastry. Coimbra is an old university town housed in a palace on top of a hill. We walked through a dusty library, inspected the university dungeon and then descended to the lower town for lunch. On the way back we inspected a ruined castle. In the evening we had another mediocre meal in town. On the Monday the mayor hosted a reception for us. Plaques were exchanged and Port drunk. Email was accessed and boat repairs carried out. The evening was wet and windy. It was blowing too hard to leave on the Tuesday so we had another day in port and walked along the deserted beach.

Saturday 15th June

Today's start was in the river opposite the marina. In light winds we took a penalty and stayed under engine making our best start yet. After 8 minutes of motoring we were out of the river. Conditions were perfect. As usual we struggled with the Parasail. By the time it was up we were near the back of the fleet. Over the next eight and a half hours of fabulous downwind sailing we clawed our way back to 6th. The wind was perfect and for the first time we had sun all day. We're off to a traditional Portuguese sardine supper which some may enjoy.

This is racing catamaran style.
We are neck and neck with the boat in the background
and we were about 5 seconds ahead at the finish.

Friday 14th June

The meal last night was great and they awarded each catamaran a bottle of Port for arriving within seconds of each other. This morning our electric TukTuk picked us up and gave us a tour of the city. We ended high up in the town and then had a guide to walk us down stopping at sights on the way. We then ate lunch overlooking the river, stocked up in a supermarket before taking a taxi back to the boat.

Thursday 13th June

Today was meant to be perfect. Our first day with sunshine and light northerly winds. At the time we were meant to start a storm swept through the marina. An hour's delay brought the sunshine and more or less the right sort of wind. If it hadn't been for a futile struggle to raise the parasail it would have been perfect. Although the leg was very short, only 15 nm for the first time there were no breakages (so far) and we had a cracking downwind sail. We're off soon for a TukTuk transfer to Graham's Port House for a tour and dinner.

Tuesday 11th June

At last we set off south again. The prevailing wind is from the north which would have been perfect. Sailing seems never to be predictable. For the first couple of hours we sailed but didn't really get anywhere tacking into the wind in heavy seas. In common with most of the fleet we gave up and stuck the engines on. Eventually the wind settled and the seas calmed and it turned from being an unpleasant experience into one that was merely tedious. I have promised Lucinda light breezes from astern, calm seas and warm sunshine. She knows enough about my promises. We finally tied up in Povoa de Varzim in Portugal in the dark just after 10 pm.

Sunday 9th and Monday 10th June

Sunday was largely spent sorting out the boat once more. Michael and Susan took a bus trip and Jonathan sadly left to go home. In the evening we has prize giving and a dinner in the yacht club. We had a podium finish coming second to the other catamaran. There are only two of us in our division. On Monday Lucinda and I were out for the day walking in the hills above the border with Portugal followed by a never ending lunch in a wonderful hillside hostelry followed by a visit to a winery.

 

Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June

After we arrived we tidied up, cleaned the boat, had a meal in a local restaurant and collapsed onto our bunks. Most of Friday was spent sorting out the boat. We had a flange sealed which we hope will permanently stop an annoying small leak. Our autopilot was examined and we were told we may have the wrong hydraulics. This might be expensive. I also got the watermaker working again. The others went shopping and for a walk around the castle. Then it was off for a group drink and meal. Some arrived home later than others. Getting up on the Saturday was not easy. We were loaded onto a bus for the drive to the pilgrimage centre of Santiago De Compostela. We witnessed the outrageous ceremony of swinging the incense which bizarrely got a big round of applause. The cathedral and surroundings were potent witness to the power and wealth of the church. The squares were filled with weary walkers completing their walks to burial place of St James and with lycra wearing mud covered cyclists making their own personal journeys of discovery.

Thursday 6th June

Near the coast the wind remained on our bows and rather than tack back and forth we motored slowly into a steep waves. Over the next few hours the sea became much smoother and we continued through the night along the Galician coast. We only put the sails up for the last 2 miles to the finish line in Bayona. Several boats were there already but most arrived later having decided to sail to windward. It took us just over 97 hours at an average of 5.7 knots to cover 578 miles. We motored for nearly 21 hours. We were really lucky with conditions and we feel really pleased to have made it in such good shape. The crew who are much more experienced than me were fantastic and hardly ever pointed out when I had done wrong.

Wednesday 5th June

Overnight we're perfect conditions for us. 20 knots just aft of beam. While monohulls were rolling and reefing we pressed on overnight. We must have done something right as by morning it was only the boy racers ahead of us. Conditions remained good until mid afternoon and then after a brief lull the wind came back from the opposite direction. Motor sailing helped us close the Spanish coast.

Tuesday 4th June

We decreased the sail plan overnight and allowed the racers to pull away. We were a bit slow getting in the zone come sun up and allowed the other Broadblue 385 to catch us up. Despite all our efforts even with our best sails up they carried on past us. It's hard to imagine better sailing weather. We had consistent force 4 or 5 on our beam very comfortable all day about 7 knots. The photos show Infinite Dream powering past us in the middle of Biscay.

Monday 3rd June

The wind continued from the north and we spent most of the day with only the Parasail up doing a comfortable 5 to 6 knots. There were the usual problems, unidentified water in the starboard engine bay and a watermaker that produced a couple of litres and then packed up. We're now rationing which means no hot water bottle or shower. Supper was a wonderful curry prepared by Michael. The wind picked up in the late afternoon and we headed into the night with a reef in the main and a couple of rolls in the genoa.

Sunday 2nd June

After all the preparation we're finally off. The forecast couldn't have been better and after a miserable year to date the weather was glorious. Before we even left Plymouth harbour the wind was blowing from the opposite direction from prediction. By the time we had out the Parasail up back to front we had fallen to the back of the fleet. Soon everyone was using their engine and we had no idea how we stood. Our first night was uneventful and we felt in good shape.

Friday 31st May

Most of the jobs are now done. The Rally boats are in the marina dressed overall with flags fluttering from their masts. Susan joined us. jonathan is coming tomorrow. We've had a briefing and all the crews have been for a curry. Not long to go before we're off.

Thursday 30th May

Most of the rally boats are now here. I thought I'd got the boat well prepared but spent the day working on all the problems that have arisen since we set off here. A new main halyard was fitted and the rolling reefing was repaired. It will be interesting to see what breaks on an extended voyage.

Wednesday 29th May

Sailing is a process of continuous maintenance. We've already broken several vital bits and we've not yet started the rally proper. Today we sailed round from Dartmouth to Plymouth with light winds and smooth seas. We're now in Mayflower Marina and some other rally boats are already here.

Tuesday 28th May

Shortly after we arrived here in Dartmouth the wind increased and the heavens dropped rain by the bucketload. We all had a siesta and ate in board. Today we did some repairs, walked to the castle and had a fish supper.

Monday 27th May

At midnight we left our temporary mooring on a buoy outside Yarmouth. The moon was low and we headed into the darkness with the flashing red, green and white of the buoys to guide us. Once through the Needles channel we turned West. The wind was inexorably on our bows and we pounded into the waves all night. Daylight saw more of the same and we entered Dartmouth in time for a late lunch. The forecast is for worsening weather so we'll stay put until it improves.

26th May We're off

After all the preparation we're finally on the way. Michael came on board this afternoon and we motored up to Yarmouth. It was painfully slow slogging up against the wind and tide. We're now moored to a buoy waiting for the tide to change at midnight. The plan is to leave for Dartmouth which we should reach by tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday 18th May

Today Kennan and Melanie joined us for the day. For once the weather was OK and we motored against the tide and with no wind to get to Newtown River to drop anchor for lunch. We then returned with the tide downwind to Gosport. Yesterday the watermaker was comissioned. Almost all the kit is onboard and the boat is several inches lower in the water. Next weekend we'll start heading off to Plymouth and beyond.

Sunday & Monday 5th & 6th May

We spent Saturday 4th in Haslar working on Imagine. On Sunday Emily and Raff came down by train and we had enough time to get to Osbourne Bay to anchor for lunch. While there we met the Cave family on Impossible Dream, another 385 also doing the Rally Portugal. We were back in Haslar in time to be joined by Alice, Hermes and Alice's bump. The weather on Monday was good but the wind was light. We motored to the Beaulieu River where we anchored for lunch. We then put up the Parasail for the downwind leg back to Portsmouth.

Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May

Iain and Linda joined us for two days. We had a late start and a pleasant sail up to Newtown Creek where we stayed the night at anchor. On the way we tried the Parasail for the first time.

Before we weighed anchor on the Friday I tried out my new kit to climb the mast and check out our navigation lights. We sailed to Osborne Bay for lunch practicing man over board drill on the way. Back at Haslar Iain helped attach the new liferaft to the pushpit. We had supper with Linda and Iain followed by an early night.

Wednesday 1st May

We walked into Chichester for lunch then back to the boat to refuel and leave through the lock on the rising tide. We had an uneventful crossing of the bar and were back to Haslar for supper.

30th April: Chichester Harbour

We spent last night going up and down with the tide. At 3am we were afloat and at 8am we were high and dry. That meant I could change the anodes, antifoul the propellors and sail drive as well as greasing the propellors. The hull was pressure washed and there was just enough time to get on board with the water lapping at the bottom rung of the ladder. Now fully afloat we motored round to Chichester and negotiated our 6m wide boat through the 7m wide lock. Luxury showers, shore power and supper aboard.

Monday 29th April: nearly afloat

Imagine has been afloat all winter. Today we moved her for the first time this year. The sails have been cleaned, the engines serviced and we've given her a spring clean. We sailed round to Chichester harbour and arrived at Wilson's Yard just after high tide. The water has now disappeared leaving us high and dry. Tomorrow we will pressure wash her bottom, change the anodes and service the propellers. We'll then be ready for anything.