First Position

25 48 N 017 33 W

They had an uncomfortable start with the seas being a bit sloppy and the wind being the wrong direction at times, but it has moved around for them and they are now doing between 3.5 and 5.5 knots. The good news is that Adam hasn't been seasick which looks promising for the passage! All going well just hoping for some favourable winds. Now I have their position I have to check the weather and warn them of any major changes. Unfortunately the news of the England result brought Adam down a bit, but with a big bowl of stew waiting Pete didn't think it would last long. Next update on Monday.

And They're Off

They left on schedule at 12 ish today - got a text this afternoon saying they were doing 6 knots and weather is looking good. I will hear again via bat phone on Friday if all goes according to plan so will have a first position to plot on the chart then.

Time For One More Party

Monday night was party night and did they party. Got a load of pictures through and it has been quite difficult to narrow down which ones to post. They got together with Keith and the gang off Aqua Equinox http://www.aquaequinox.com/ and a very good time was had by all. Adam has learnt a valuable lesson - you don't get drunk on champagne. He was fit for nothing all day yesterday.

God if San sees this she's gonna think we are enjoying ourselves!

Today they have to go and get their papers cleared for leaving, and they will then get going around lunchtime. I think it's probably a good idea for them to be getting underway now - give their livers a break and get some rest!

Getting Organised

Well they spent yesterday cleaning up - well half the day anyway. Apprently the decks and the carpets had all turned a lovely shade of grey so a scrub was in order. Then they spent the afternoon at the swimming pool - it's all about work/life balance! They are hoping to get lifted in quite promptly this morning so they can chug around for the rest of the day. The weather is looking favourable for them to leave on Wednesday and they are beginning to get excited at the prospect.

Positive News At Last

Hooray, as of about an hour ago it's working! They spent yesterday putting everything back together which wasn't without the usual problems. Things not coming apart, and things being very stiff to put back together. Some hits with a hammer with a prayer "please don't break" seems to have done the trick. They finished up last night refilling with oil ready to test this morning. And, so far it is reported to be running well, and doing what it should, with the leg free and easy to lift and drop. So now it's a massive clean up operation, the boatyard being very dusty with the wind getting it everywhere. Pete was doubtful they would be able to get lifted back in until Monday, when they would really put the engine through it's paces and give it a good test. Then store up on Tuesday to be ready to go (fingers crossed) on Wednesday. This gives them 25 days to get across to St Vincent before we do! Thank goodness for the satphone, as at least I will have a good idea of progress, and can always try and organise accommodation for a few days when we get there if necessary.

They are out and they have parts!

Here she is being lifted out.

After and bit of an epic they finally got their hands on the parts this morning. Augustin has joined them now and has been worth his weight in gold with his ability to speak the language! They got lifted out yesterday morning and spend the day taking things apart, cleaning and antifouling.

Three Wise Monkeys

So today it's a case of trying to put everything back together in working order. Fingers toes etc crossed big time! They are certainly alot happier with just being able to finally get on with something after a wasted week. I have no idea at the moment when or how quickly they will be able to get lifted back in. With all the ARC boats wanting to antifoul before they go, the lifting schedule is completely backed up but once again they are hoping Augustin will be able to sort it for them.

No Parts As Yet

Anchored outside the marina at Las Palmas

The parts have not yet arrived, and it is an anxious time. Pete has been hearing horror stories from other boats down there waiting for shipments of things, and apparently it is quite normal for stuff to be sent to Madrid and stuck there for at least a week. Anyway he made a phone call to Silette this morning and they kindly tracked the consignment and it is showing as having arrived in Las Palmas. So a bit more digging and Pete now has the address and phone number of the local office so he is hoping to find out some more today. The hanging around is getting to them, as it is not an ideal anchorage, quite awkward for getting ashore, and they have had no wind for a week which means power onboard has become a huge problem. They are running the engine to try and keep the essentials going but it is a pain. It will be a huge boost if they parts arrive today, and the new crew should turn up tomorrow. He is a Canarian called Augustin, and is in his early thirties. He has quite alot of experience and speaks 5 languages so he will prove very useful if they get to the stage of negotiating with the boatyard about lifting out the boat. So, in theory things can only get better!