Coming Soon

                                                           Start November 23, 2014

Until next time

Typical Gran Canaria Mountain-scape

We've wrapped up this leg of the journey and we're back in the U.S.. In the final two days on the island we did a bit more exploring by car. A drive thru the center of the island and up over the top (1950 meters), followed the next day to the Pueblo of Agaete, a small fishing village in the northwest corner of the island. Both of these excursions were 3 to 3 1/2 hour car rides including mountain top hair-pin turns and cliff side carved roads with 400 meter vertical drops.Quite spectacular. Couldn't help but wonder how some of these roads were built.

The landscape is mostly dry and brown, although it does get a bit greener to the north. A few very small villages within these mountains and valleys but mostly desolate. Certainly not the most inviting place I've seen.

We will return in mid November to prepare "Maravilha" for the East to West Atlantic crossing to St Lucia in the company of 200+ boats participating in the World Cruising Club's ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) which is schedule to start on November 23, 2014. This is a 2700 mile passage and is expected to take from 18 to 21 days.

Buenos dias Pasito Blanco, Gran Canaria

Arrived in Pasito Blanco - Gran Canaria yesterday at sunrise after a two day ride from Madeira. Started out Thursday morning sailing in 13 - 17 kts WSW breeze...a nice beam reach. For most of the day we blasted along at 7.5 to 8.5 kts on a course of 177 degrees towards Gran Canaria, 311 mile away. We left the "Islas Desertas" to our west. A day later the "Islas Selvagems" came into view about 15 miles to our west. Also a territory of Portugal (although much closer to the Canaries), these two islands have population of 6. Two wildlife wardens and 4 lighthouse keepers. Both land and surrounding sea are protected habitats for a variety of species (some endangered) both land and marine. After night fall on this first night the wind began to fade as predicted. By 2300 GMT on Thursday we were under power where we remained for the next 26 hours. The wind picked back up from the NE as we approached Gran Canaria, the last forty miles. All in all a very pleasant ride. Some really nice sailing with a less nice motorboat ride sandwiched in between.
Upon arrival we did some maintenance and housekeeping, cleared customs with the "Guarda Civil" and went to Las Palmas, the capitol of Gran Canaria (850,000 population).  First impression: grand resort community after grand resort community separated by dry, dusty - brown desert like landscape all spread out from a large densely populated city...very interesting. More exploring ahead...will report later.

Another beautiful mid-ocean sunset

 

Brad Curtis - having a tough day at the office

Good Morning Madeira

After 655 miles of sailing we arrived in Madeira this morning at day break and docked Maravilha in Quinta do Lorde Marina at the eastern end of Madeira...a spectacular place! Some sight seeing, some good food (Espetada) and a sampling of "poncha" and Madeira wine...we are now about to get some rest before departing in the morning for Gran Canaria...311 mile to the south. The sail here was a mixed bag of conditions. Beautiful downwind sailing with moon lit skies. A day later a parade of squalls....followed by sunny skies, cobalt blue seas, and gentle following breezes.

Sun Rise on the approach to Madeira

Funchal under a rainbow

Squall....hold on to your hat!

The Crew: Victor Pinheiro, Ryan Hughes,Brad Curtis, John Pinheiro

Leaving a special place



Pico as seen from high above the harbor in Horta

While it is very satisfying to be starting this second leg of our journey around the North Atlantic it is a bit melancholic at the same time. Sailing away from Faial brings to a close an experience I've thought so long about. It is not just another island, yes it is beautiful, but it is much more than that. It's where my family came from...it's where some of my family still lives. It is an iconic location with regard to trans-atlantic sailing and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to complete this passage and share this experience with family and friends. A special thanks to all our friends and family on this gem of an island for all that you did to make this visit so special and memorable....Muito Obrigado...Um Abraco!