Boating is not all sunshine and bikinis

The bilge pump stopped working properly so it required a change out. The old pump had 3 mounting points, the new one has 4. Rather than take panel down to remove the old studs, I suggested fabricating a mounting adapter plate. After pondering what material were available we found a bamboo cutting board that fit the bill perfectly. 4 hours later the new pump was finally mounted and tested. The only thing left is to double clamp the hoses. Richard and John are off on a mission to fine the right ones.

The Sun Rises

As consciousness comes into early morning focus, one becomes aware of a coolness in the air as the Moroccan city landscape emerges from the light of the new day. The clouds seem different than in New England. Clouds seem to pick up a bit of color from the teal green Mediterranean waters. There's a sharper contrast between the grays and the deeper though non-threatening darker sometimes nearly black shades in the sky. 

Bella Vita at the dock in Tangier 

John and I took an hour long walk on the massive beach just east of Tanja Marina where we are docked. 

Beach in Tangier 

Now back for some boat maintenance projects. Soon we will go back out for more exploration. The culture shock continues to amaze. 

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Made it to Africa!

In Tangier. Crossing the shipping lanes was like playing Frogger. At one point there were 13 ships coming at us on ais. Talked to one and scooted behind their stern. A marvelous broad reach with Big seas confused by a 2-3 knot foul current.At one point the spinnaker started to unfurl. Before going out on deck we talked and made a careful plan. Three of us donned life jackets, clipped in and in 15-18 knots of wind went forward and wrestled it down. I was on the halyard safely at the mast, Francesca and John went to the bow, Richard drove the boat. Success without incident. Sail packed away in the sail locker.

Upon arrival, the dock staff were extremely courteous and helpful. Custom agents all business but polite. About 3 hours to clear customs. Finally docked. 8:45 pm. Sounds of prayers coming from the city, we knew we were in Morocco. Heading to dinner soon.

Gibraltar

Arrived at sunset and anchored in the harbor. Comfortable overnight. Fueled at dock and cleared the harbor at 1100. Course set for Tangier.

We’re underway

We departed Malagasy 0830 and are making our way along the coast of Spain with our destination tonight being Gibraltar. We were able to sail for a while but the wind dropped off so we are now motoring. 

John driving

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Today we moved onto Bella Vita

December 1. We arrived at sv Bella Vita around 1300 and took a short tour. Storage of gear occupied the next bit of time. With that sorted, John and I did a walk around on deck to follow the various lines and decipher what each line did and where it went. 

After a while we wandered down the quay to a Mexican restaurant and enjoyed a pleasant conversation as we got to know Richard. 

I sat at the helm and slowly deciphered the various knobs and buttons. The boat has fully automatic push button sail controls at the helm. 

All control lines are led into the enclosed cockpit which is a big safety feature especially when offshore. 

The plan is to depart Malaga at 0800 tomorrow morning to make the 60+/- NM passage to Gibraltar. Looking forward to seeing what this baby can do. 

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