Category Archives: Gran Canaria

Go to Gran Canaria – Day 1

31. October 2015Katja Henke

If you know the captain a bit longer, then you know, that there is no holding back, if his “Port ceiling” fall on his head.

So we started on Friday afternoon despite clearly uncomfortable weather conditions. First, there was no wind at all in the game and from the afternoon we should get a lot of strong wind on the nose. Since we had thought us, first to go under motor south, thereby testing the watermaker and then easy to sail a blow towards the west at the onset of south wind, until the wind on Saturday morning finally would allow a direct course to Gran Canaria. Soweit also zu unserer Planung 🙂

Directly after leaving the Marina, we had already suffered the first setback. Although the new navigation works just fine and our AIS could really help us see ships in distance, but our autopilot – Hydra 2000 from B&G – had been angered by the new components probably somehow. Instead obediently to compete as at the last crossing his service, produzierte er nur noch Fehlermeldungen 🙁 So nahmen wir direkt unsere Windpilot-Steuerung mit dem Pinnenpiloten in Betrieb und erfreulicherweise funktionierte er ohne irgendwelche Probleme. So the journey could yet go further, because 650 Nautical miles without the autopilot we would not want to travel, nor can. A bit queasy us was two but still to Mute, so without any back-up with a yet untested system. That was not a good start for this crossing.

Contrary to the forecasts we had until the early evening and pleasant sailing wind good and so we set sail and moved the premiere of the watermaker to a later date. Then, when the south wind began, we were centered in front of the large traffic separation scheme, which runs along the Portuguese coast. So we had no chance, simply turn off westwards. When sailing Eight have to cross traffic separation schemes as possible at right angles. And it was a lot of traffic. Wir wollten ja nicht unter den nächsten Tanker geraten 🙂 So mussten wir unter Maschine kräftig gegenan halten und im Schiff fühlte es sich an, like on a roller coaster. Because in addition to the wind on the nose came the wave directly from the side – optimal conditions, to be seasick.

So I left the field, and Dietmar pulled me into our berth. Although it was not quite as bad and placed for emergencies within reach bucket remained unused, but from the feel-good sailing we were really far away. Thus, Dietmar had to fight alone through the night and actively monitor the wind pilot and possibly. correct. Only in the morning put the longed Northwind and under sail came finally some peace into the ship. After looking at the distance traveled, we were quite disappointed. If we continue to move forward so, wären wir bestimmt eine Woche unterwegs 🙁

It's time, to move

30. October 2015Katja Henke

In Vilamoura, the season is coming to an end. In the evening it is also already very cold and the local Portuguese packaged in jacket, Scarf and boots. Holidaymakers get cold feet slowly in our flip flops :-).

Start the restaurants around the Harbour, the sun terraces to make Winter Festival. Now you can sit inside rather than outside. Various shops have closed their doors already until the next year and our supermarket, He reliably provided us with bread rolls and croissants since end of August, next Sunday will open the last time this year.

The amount of promenading along the harbour tourists has thinned considerably, and everywhere the autumn mood to feel, Although during the day, the Sun is still their best.

After more than six weeks of hard work our time in the Algarve is coming to an end. Much we did, but still a long way, not everything is perfect. Das wird uns aber nicht aufhalten 🙂 Heute wollen wir die Leinen loswerfen und mit unserer CESARINA in Richtung Gran Canaria aufbrechen. It is clearly time, turn your back on the European mainland and the coming autumn. Für diesen Winter haben wir sonnigere Pläne 🙂

Even if the three weeks in the Canary Islands will probably again quite busy, We look forward to this time. Because in addition to the work on the ship, We meet many like-minded people, who want to dare the leap across the Atlantic with similar target.

The next four to five days so once again, we are at sea and will test and try out, What we have improved in recent times on the ship or changed. The crossing is so to speak our small dress rehearsal for the big blow across the Atlantic. But we feel well prepared: The fridge is always well stocked!

The space it is almost difficult, nur Lebensmittel für vier Tage zu stauen 🙂 Heute soll der neue Wassermacher seinen Dienst antreten und uns mit Trinkwasser versorgen. Our wind control system has its first usage on this crossing. Hopefully she will take over as safe and pleasant service, as our "Liselotte" (Nicknamed of the windvane steering on the buzzer).

Whether we safely and well have stowed everything in the boat, will show. Although it is not the first trip with the CESARINA, but this time we brought our entire House booth.

Everything is so new and unusual. So we need to find surely some new processes and routines, to make life on board smooth and relaxed. But what we did once, We also once again succeed. Und beim zweiten Mal geht ja bekanntlich alles viel schneller 🙂

For the CESARINA, this crossing is the first ride under German flag. Since the 12. October is registered officially in the German Maritime Register. We now have a new call sign "DHKG" and an associated new email address at sea: dhkg@sailmail.com. (As usual: No images - only text. And please do not press "Reply", but writing a new mail). But at the moment we are still not as usual, Since our shortwave facility, with which we otherwise the emails and weather data receive / send, will be completed only in Gran Canaria. Until then, we bridge with our full elite phone. Unfortunately, it is clearly upwind and even more expensive than shortwave. Aber es ist ja das letzte Mal 🙂

For this reason, there will be no blogs on the site during the crossing. I wear the collected works after then but after our arrival. Our Internet address www.summer-sailing.de and we will keep the private E-mail addresses despite the new vessel. If your us on www.vesselfinder.com looking for, will you find, We have now a new MMSI: 211 70 59 40. On www.marinetraffic.com to this day, are we not listed. We don't know why. Hopefully this will change soon.

Finally sail again :-)

9. December 2014Katja Henke

After a night with little rocking and a hearty breakfast, made Dietmar ready to enjoy. Doch zum Absprung ins Wasser konnte er sich nicht wirklich durchringen 🙂 Da bat er mich doch tatsächlich um Unterstützung, and that was me then a real treat. With a strong push in the back of the captain landed in the refreshing water. After a short round under water, he appeared a little perplexed again. On the bolt or shaft was nothing to see, which would justify the threatening-sounding noises. Only a few barnacles had settled but no rope or the like had caught. Very mysterious! We would probably have continued to keep in mind.

As the water temperature but it turned out to be very pleasant, Dietmar extended his bath time and pretended hard work. So the water pass has been extensively scrubbed and waxed, bis alles wieder wie neu aussah 🙂

The wind at our anchorage was right all along vigorously and Gran Canaria came forth thick storm clouds. As a precaution, we waited a bit and did not leave until a clock at noon anchor on. But our caution proved to be greatly exaggerated. No sooner had we distanced ourselves a bit of the coast, let the wind down significantly. For today northeast wind was announced, but on the Lee- (leeward) Side of the island the wind follows its own laws. So we had instead of trendy tailwind unexpected headwinds L First we crossed sporty against, to us both the desire and the wind left after some time. Good, was planned that today only a stone's throw from ten nautical miles to Porto de Mogan. There we wanted to anchor at the port and start in the morning towards Tenerife next day.

Once there, we found only in the second experiment, a good and safe anchorage. The anchor we went carefully into the ground, because we were right in front of rocky cliffs. All alone we enjoyed the peaceful evening mood. For tomorrow's crossing I stuck my safe side, a patch against seasickness behind the ear. There were at least 50 Nautical miles, aber sicher ist sicher 🙂

The next morning we were at sunrise on my way. On the horizon loomed against the rising sun Tenerife with the 3718m high volcano "Teide" – a beautiful sight. In the lee of the island was from the glamorous four winds unfortunately nothing can be felt, So we chugged first under engine of the island away beyond sea `. No sooner had we but leave the draft cover, we had to clear reef the sails. Instead of trendy four winds we had an average of six to seven most, gusts even eight Beaufort! Despite the small sail area in the third reef, We were good seven knots. Although our SUMMER pushed violently location (Laying heel / on the side), but it saved us a violent rocking.

Already in the early afternoon was the Marina "San Miguel" in sight and a short time later we were safely on the "Welcome pontoon". Our first mooring after such a long time had worked well even in difficult windy conditions. Since we had first earned us an Advent coffee. That would be during the crossing was too uncomfortable.

So we use the stormy weather the next day, to make clear the decks on the SUMMER, detail to inform us about the island and to do our emails. It was not until Tuesday we explored the nachgelegenen place, which consisted mainly of hotels and unfortunately the associated golf courses and restaurants. Up to two unfinished buildings, it was quite nice and in a cafe on the water, could endure it very well in the sun.

Around noon we moved our SUMMER finally to a normal berth, away from the front web. The harbor office had left a lot of time, assign us a final place. But the wait was rewarded and we lay quietly with his nose in the wind on a floating dock on the other side of the harbor.

In the afternoon we went to the dive shop in town and Dietmar made an appointment for Thursday morning. I have unfortunately not until after Christmas on the first dive wait L We reserved us for three days from Friday to rent a car. Tomorrow we will take the bus to Santa Cruz. So schnell waren die nächsten Tag verplant 🙂

Travel arrangements and slow "Einschaukeln"

5. December 2014Katja Henke

Today should initially be the last day in the Marina Pasito Blanco. Just over a week now I was back on board and it was time, throw the ropes go again. But before standing again "make clear the decks" in the program. Many of the things brought from Germany were not put on the shelves and two cabinets were still waiting for a complete reorganization using the acquired yesterday at Ikea boxes. Also, I had made up my mind for the day, finally inaugurate the bread machine. For too long travels a good piece untested with us through the area. An end today!

So my day started after breakfast with the mission of "bread baking", while Dietmar out before our SUMMER freed from the many covers and made ready. Actually, baking bread quite simple but for my debut but I chose the safe side though a finished Bread Mix. After I filled water and mix into the machine, did marvel his work. Only knead, then let rise and bake finally. I peered in between some suspicious looking through the window. After nearly two hours I kept the result in my pot holders fixed. Clearly a bread! The shape was somewhat unusual, but the taste was impeccable.

In the meantime I had sorted the two Cabinets and granted. Fortunately, in this campaign was the missing mysteriously milk (at least six liters) resurfaced.

At the end of the preparations was set aside for vacuuming and an additional test, brought from Germany the vacuum bag for our clothes or other textiles, we do not need so often. Already a great invention. A short time later the bedding for our guests was bagged flat and space-saving. Another means, den knappen Platz an Bord optimal zu nutzen 🙂

About four clock then we threw as planned Cast off. For me it was the first challenge since my return, because we had not the same moored at a dock finger, but were fastened to the rear of two mooring canvas. But this challenge I mastered thanks to clear instructions by the skipper :-). Only an unusually loud noise from the propeller hurt our ears, Dietmar than the first time into reverse. Something was wrong. So a trouble! Luckily, we were still able to drive off without problems and headed towards the anchorage off the port. Here we wanted to provide the Night, so I could have a little "einschaukeln" before our first real day of sailing. After several unsuccessful attempts, then it succeeded Dietmar the boat ladder, which was attached to the anchor and with which we had come the last few weeks from the bridge on boat, remove from the anchor again. Die Leiter wollten wir ja nicht mit dem Anker zusammen auf den Grund der Bucht versenken 🙂

Now we are here peacefully swinging in front of the beach of Pasito Blanco . Outside whistles the evening breeze and our wind generators make us much joy just right. The dive, we have to make, to investigate the strange sounds of the screw, we have moved to tomorrow. Let's see, what a surprise awaits us at the waterline of SUMMER. We'll keep you up to date.

What you have to do everything, In order to receive a yellow fever vaccination

4. December 2014Katja Henke

Golf in Pasito Blanco, Gran Canaria is a very costly affair. So expensive, that Hille and Torsten her yesterday wider plan by the rates rejected again. So nothing was out of the second cozy evening and again was "goodbye" on the agenda. Langsam hatte ich wirklich genug 🙁 Aber auch diese Beiden sehen wir ja nächstes Jahr in der Karibik wieder und bis dahin, There are so emails and WhatsApp. After all, a small consolation.

Today we wanted to do two important things. Since the Marina Pasito Blanco has no free wifi access, I also wanted to have a prepaid data card for the Spanish mobile phones. Difficult it would be, the yellow fever vaccine, I absolutely needed for my trip with my mother in January, to get here in the Canaries. This was the first clearly easier task of the Twos

Gran Canaria is a popular German destination and repeatedly we had seen advertising for a German medical center in Maspalomas. So our first road led us there. Clearly visible billboards were already placed on the main road, nevertheless it took time, until we reach a shopping center and the right in this tiny practice (Medical Services!) had found. Aber immerhin sprach man dort deutsch 🙂 „Gelbfieberimpfung, since it could not be helped further! Who could help since, no idea. Perhaps the Centro de Salud? Where would the next, but you also do not know ". On the prima, an hour later and not one bit smarter we were back on the road.

Perhaps could indeed help the Internet. So we got out the data card and drove back to the port. Unfortunately, the Internet was also no clear information on the web. So we tried it once at the Port Office, perhaps had even an idea. There, they sent us back to Maspalomas to the hospital and when that might not help us, then the Centro de Salud. As a precaution, Dietmar had already picked out the Spanish word for yellow fever vaccination = = fiber amarilla and vacuna. And that was a very good thing, because unfortunately understood the lady at the counter of the hospital not a single word of English, let alone German. After we had made us the extent understandable, we got the answer here, that one can not help us. So on to the Centro de Salud. Armed with our fairly stylized map we just needed the help of two passers-by, until we reached the Spanish Health Authority.

The building was then put "Please take a number". After some time, we were also on the number. Again our Spanish skills were required. After some back-and -give us and the support of a young Spanish woman as an interpreter, which as we waited in line, We were in the north of the island, nach Las Palmas weitergeschickt. The friendly lady in the hall wrote us the name of the corresponding Institutes of such vaccinations and a phone number on. But an address she could not call us, unfortunately,. After all, we were once again taken a step further. Also gab es keinen Grund nicht optimistisch zu bleiben 🙂

Meanwhile, it was now afternoon and a bit annoyed we were already. How somehow expected, we could under the given phone number unfortunately not reach anyone. So we asked yet again the internet and found after some searching to match it finds an address. With this we fed our GPS and set off towards the 60km distant city of Las Palmas in the north of the island. The navigation system led us far from the city towards the harbor to a shabby industrial area into it - It really will be our destination?!? It really could not even be now. Nowhere was a reference to the Institute to find. Utterly frustrated we turned around and made our way back

Our way home took us a short time later at the Centro de Salud of Las Palmas by. We had nothing to lose and also asked here again for the address. There, too, we could be (of course) not help, but one further referred us to the University Hospital of Las Palmas. Since this was on our way back anyway, we tried our luck there too. Even the journey was a challenge. To get into the car park, we cheated us through the ambulance entrance. The main entrance was completely blocked due to construction and the lady at the information desk spoke no English course. But you sent us further to the first floor to a nice gentlemen, with which we could discuss our problem in English. And you will not believe it: We were too late (now it was already after five clock), but apparently the right place. Morning aged eight clock would us on the second floor in module 5 can help. Overjoyed, we made our final way home.

But our search was not over yet, then as it turned out the next morning.

Not punctually at eight clock, but after about half past nine and further 120 Km drive, We were after a short search against module 5 on the second floor. Fortunately, we did not need to stand in line and were able to try, to carry forward our concerns. And again we encountered complete lack of understanding: Seeding would not be here J Since there but the injection point. The exact address, but you could not tell us. The injection site was in a brown building close to the "Place de Belem". This place turned out to be a huge roundabout out front of the industrial port. Brown building there were many. The last part of the way then helped the police on the jumps. Only 400 Meters still separated us from the target, lay on the edge of the shabby industrial area, in which we had been yesterday.

When we finally arrived at the right place, We were pleasantly surprised. After an extensive vaccination advice we only had to overcome one last hurdle: The inoculation itself could not accept money, and the reason they sent us an invoice to the next bank. After all the various challenges we mastered this easy exercise without problems and were finally at noon both vaccinated against yellow fever.

The rest of the day we wanted to use, to explore the north of the island. To us our way led first by Acura.

In a cozy bar with tapas we celebrated our vaccination success, before we pretty, old town and the famous rum distillery "AREHUCAS" visited. The disappointing short tour of the rum factory was compensated by the subsequent "witty" tasting again and we stocked up on plenty for the next long evenings a.

We went high up into the mountains to Teror. The old town was completely deserted us. Very sad, because the old houses and churches were really to look gorgeous. Maybe it was because of the uncomfortable weather, which reigned high up in the mountains.

Also, we shot a short round, since Dietmar with his short pants, it intends to carry on throughout the winter, doch etwas frostig war 😉 Natürlich nicht diese Hose im Speziellen sondern kurze Hosen im Allgemeinen 🙂 Zum Schluss unserer Tour hatten wir uns noch einen ganz besonderen Leckerbissen aufgehoben. South of Las Palmas is still obtain a complete volcano crater remained, one can overlook great from a nearby mountain.

On the way back we took advantage of our set of wheels still an IKEA visit. Here we bought some stacking boxes, with which we wanted to bring more order into our ship. After a brief visit to the box-host (Mc Donald) we enjoyed a quiet evening together on board.

We also need to get visitors and soon say goodbye again :-) :-(

2. December 2014Katja Henke

After the first trip yesterday we had the first week back something quieter. For now, only the organization of a rental car and some internet work were on the "to-do" list. In addition, the guide would be studied extensively, to explore as much of the island over the next three car days.

In the late afternoon, the CAYLUNA announced, which would insert on their way to the Cape Verde still a short stopover in Pasito Blanco. Then we looked forward particularly. Especially therefore, because it would be so for the time being our last meeting. Only at the end 2015, be when we have crossed the Atlantic, We'll meet again.

So we stood expectantly at the bridge and took the linen. Although we did have until Friday evening saw us last time, the joy was great. So we left the first three do their final preparations, before we showed up with a bottle of white wine for dinner on board. Birgit had conjured all a great casserole for us, which was also completely plastered. All too soon, the time passed. Then, when the bread maker of CAYLUNA had finished his work and was a fresh fragrant bread for the crossing finished in the Pantry, We finished the nice evening. For tomorrow, so everyone wanted to be fit rested.

The CAYLUNA wanted to start early tomorrow is not the same at sunrise. So we did not have to put as in the JOY OF LIFE extracting the clock, but were after our breakfast even much too early in the neighboring bridge. Among other things, were some technical problems to solve, because Frank was received via shortwave no weather. Birgit had pre-cooked a delicious soup and equipped the galley for the crossing. Thus was still a lot to do and we decided, this time not to wave their handkerchiefs on the web, if the casting of lots CAYLUNA would Linens. Since I'm always built very close to the water, if shows only the word goodbye on the horizon, I was glad, that I was spared this long agony.

We started around 10:00 Clock and made for two with the island by car uncertain. First we led our way along the coast eastwards. Each pretty bays were completely built with hotels and apartments, the adventurous clung to the steep rock walls partly. In Porto de Mogan we stopped for a lunch break. Even from the street, you could see the large and busy harbor, the two of us really liked. However, we were not unhappy, to have landed in the rather quieter Pasito Blanco, for a steady stream of tourists pulled over all the time just before the webs and the boats moored there. Dort hätten wir uns doch wie auf dem Präsentierteller gefühlt 🙂 Wir gönnten uns in einem Cafe mit Hafenblick noch ein spätes Frühstück, before we turn our backs on the tourist part of Gran Canaria.

As soon as you leave the coast road with car, you enter a different world. Thus, the road wound up into the mountains. Traffic has increased after a short time significantly and we were traveling almost alone. Bizarre rock formations in some iridescent colors, at reservoirs and waterfalls, led us to become very narrow street in the center of the island to Roco Nublo, one of the highest peaks of Gran Canaria.

Almost four hours we cruised relaxed about the island, before we abstellten against six clock back our car in the parking lot at the harbor intact. Also for the evening friends had back in fashion in transit. The SY INFINITY was already on the other side of the harbor. Just across from our berth. That evening we left the kitchen cold and feasted together again at an Italian restaurant in Maspalomas. Since Hille and Tosten are avid golfers, they decided spontaneously, but to stay another day and play a round of golf. The golf course we had already tested and found to be "good" :-). Thus, we were looking forward to the unexpectedly prolonged stay and another nice evening.

Finally back - time for the first voyage of discovery

30. November 2014Katja Henke

After two days back in the heat I had acclimatized me again something and Sunday at noon stood me so inclined, to explore the surroundings of the port closer. After a brief tour of the very well-maintained apartment complex with a children's playground and a small supermarket we went to the beach. If one were to follow the coast further, could be determined in Maspalomas achieve a good half hour. Or so we thought if.

Since there is not as much variety was offered at the harbor, got us in the mood for city and people. So we moved to the advent of coffee with brought, homemade cookies together go. Unfortunately, there was a long stretch of coast in the current water level walk impassable. Since reversing for me but not out of the question, I decided, so that we could walk to the cliff along and above - of up there so wonderfully green and well maintained golf course applied also looked much more inviting. And he was not even fenced. So what should happen? I just losstiefelte, Dietmar followed me then cursing and scolding alarm, because he did not want to get one of the golfers on the cap.

The golfers were eyeing us suspiciously while, but apparently we looked so harmless or perhaps dangerous, that no one dared, to contact us. We were lucky, because all the players seemed to understand their craft so far, that we were not shot by a stray bullet. After a quarter of an hour we approached unmolested the end of the course. As far as everything was already went well. But now a new problem emerged in the form of a two-meter-high wire fence at the end of the square on. Now that would really not have been necessary L Just when we decided to turn back, I discovered a large gap in the fence. On the other hand we find ourselves in a moment while dry rain reservoir, but the last meters to the beach promenade should probably also to master yet. And as so often in life, solved this problem by itself Seconds later ...

"If your on the promenade well, You go here best through the sewer tunnel! Then you can easily climb up on the left side of the wall. "Came a voice from the darkness. Ok, what now? Ignore or go? If you will kindly responded to German, you're definitely curious first. Inside the tunnel it had set up a homeless domesticated. This told us willingly and very polite the way forward. Perplexed, we found ourselves three minutes later on the boardwalk again.

After a little adventure trip we still enjoyed the stroll to the bustling promenade with restaurants, Hotels and shops. Back to the port but we chose because of the falling darkness a less exciting itinerary. By taxi it went safely through the illuminated streets back to the SUMMER.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to something special: A can of brought by Kerstin and Tommy bavarian white sausages with sweet mustard. At first we were the "canned white sausages" something reserved about, Finally, we were just real and fresh white sausage from the local butcher used in Allershausen. But after the first bite we enjoyed genuine feeling in Bavaria evening pleasant 20 ° C in Gran Canaria.

Einhand not Gran Canaria

6. November 2014Dietmar Henke

When Katja told me a few days ago, that they would fail for about five weeks and we could not go as planned sail together to the Canary Islands, I went in the next few days then all sorts of thoughts through your mind. We were determined at 28. November sein auf Gran Canaria, because our dear friend Frank wants to celebrate his birthday by the SY CAYLUNA there. At this feast he had invited all of our sailing friends, have confirmed their attendance and the. Because we wanted to be here, because the time was too good together with them in Spain and Portugal. Then all the other towards the Caribbean would break, while we only 2015 would cross the Atlantic to.

So we decided together on the phone, that should go in it towards the Canaries. Now the question arose only when and how. After studying various weather forecasting services is a good departure date showed on Tuesday, the 4. November. Then I would arrive on Thursday at noon. Unfortunately, this was the time period too short, to find another Crewmember. Reiner had our friend from Allershausen / Bavaria someone much to my regret only a few minutes before posting, snapped up the last flight before the nose. Also war klar, that I probably had to sail alone.

Then somehow I wanted to go alone. The challenge just seemed too sexy and with each passing day, where I could adjust myself mentally on the subject, increased the confidence in me. Not sailing worried me, but rather the handling of the big boat when dropping and especially when equipped with mooring canvas. This of course comes the issue of safety at sea. For the first two days were permanently 5-6 Winds with gusts of 7 announced, what is already a proper announcement. Even dealing with the possible lack of sleep and struggle with the fatigue employed my thoughts. After all, led the 320 Nautical miles over the open sea and without a possible port, if something should go wrong. My dear friend Uwe but has really helped me with his wealth of experience. He sails for years his 43 Foot yacht alone in the Baltic Sea. He told me, that it was perfectly normal, if one was nervous for days before dropping and that it go just as any other. Danke Uwe 🙂

On Tuesday I had set my alarm clock to six. On this day a new chapter should begin for me on the subject of sailing. So excited I was already half past four on the legs and whatever I tried, it simply was not possible to me, to lower my pulse. The preparing of the ship for departure was almost routinely and unobtrusively: Close seacocks and hatches, Check Cards and Systems, put away all, which may fall, Preparing linen and sheets and of course cook a pot of tea. Then everything was clear as far as the expiry. My task was now, our SUMMER safe and "one-handed" (alone) in 2 Bring ½ days from Madeira to Gran Canaria in the Marina "Pasito Blanco"!

Promptly at 06:42 the horizon began to brighten. The sun rose slowly up and the moment had come, start the machine. The wind was coming from behind low and had calmed down a bit for a few minutes. Everything else went as planned almost alone. Evaporation in the Vorspring, Pre-lines going, Behind Spring release, Machine backwards, Get Vorspring tightly and then release. We have not even touched the neighboring Lieger, as the SUMMER shoved out of the box. Die erste Hürde war also genommen 🙂

Shortly after passing the exit port I put the autopilot on track 177 Our Grad. Thereafter, the Fender was collected and stored all mooring. After two hours we were out of the wind shadow of Madeira and sailed out with good 6 Knots to the south. Everything went well. About four clock I was a bit tired and lay down in the salon for a snooze. I had my security to "Timer" on 20 Provided minutes and had to get up, to turn it off again. After getting a panoramic view into the distance and then lie down again. The haute towards good. After some time, then returned also the peace of mind and I could actually get some sleep. The wind now and again quite strongly to. At times the anemometer showed gusts of 27 Knoten an, which was not a problem for our SUMMER. Before nightfall I had the sail area for the night significantly reduced. Nevertheless, we made a good trip to the seven nodes.

What really surprised me very, was the fact, that was not to see a single ship on the radar or AIS. On Wednesday around noon we passed the island "Selvagem" and left them on the starboard side. Here is going to live only two researchers and explore the bird world, otherwise the island is uninhabited.

I'd almost feel guilty, I drove with seeded Troll on the island. Since then also happened already the first "Malleur". Because of the high waves and cross lakes we drove a decent lurching. Here, then, the fishing line had snagged on the propeller of the wind generator. Since it was too dangerous, to rise to the Rehling, to untangle the mess, I cut off the leash. The bait I had of course previously obtained by hand. My concern was, at that very moment a fish might bite and would tear off the generator. The bait was designed for a tuna and can be quite large. Das Problem war, that our current supplier of the batteries was now out of service. Autopilot, Navigation, Radar, Radio and refrigerator consume a lot of energy and so I had twice a day starting the generator, to replenish the batteries.

The next problem was then wait not long in coming. During routine check of the bilge I saw with horror, that there was a lot of water in the engine compartment and also in the nave. But now I have got a little scared. Thank God we have many bilge pumps on board, then immediately took up their work. The rest I had to manually pump out. These were about once more 70 Liter and I already have the arms hurt. I immediately went on causal research. Gott sei Dank, was it but no shutter or the like. Due to the high waves from aft to the stern of the SUMMER was very much seawater leaked into it by the processes of the lockers in the locker. From there, the hoses running from the generator through a hole in the interior of the vessel in. Unfortunately, these were not properly or when installing the system. permanently sealed. The issue was now high on my "To Do" list. After the shock I was really done with the nerves. Here come at once very strange thoughts in a highly.

The last night was not a problem and there was enough time to rest. Our SUMMER is a really good ship and provides great security.

Time up to the minute I put the SUMMER then the next day at the "Welcome" pontoon at the Marina. The wind had abated somewhat and I was well prepared. After the clear inward I got the number of berth. Before it came to the last maneuver of the day, I peeped me the place exactly. To assist me in charge has sent two Marineros on the boat. The three of the parking was not a big problem and worked out great. No one wanted to believe it up, I had been traveling alone. Das gefiel mir natürlich sehr 🙂

Ready to use, but very satisfied with our performance, I closed SUMMER yet on the country outlet and gave her a thorough wash as usual, to remove the salt. As it is always so nice: "Only the horse and then the rider"

The rest of the evening went as follows: Sims Katja, The shower, Food, Sleep. Danke SUMMER! What an experience!

Under close observation

5. November 2014Katja Henke

Since morning at seven clock yesterday morning he is traveling alone, my captain. Of course I do not like, but what should I do. Of course I would prefer it. But at least I'm pretty close. Es lebe die Erfindung des Satelliten-Telefons 🙂

At noon, we could not normally talk over cellular network, then the distance from Madeira was unfortunately too large. But I got a few pictures, I do not want to hide from you.

So Dietmars day started well at this ungodly time (siehe Foto). Outside it was still dark and I had to think long, when we left the last time so early. Since yesterday was the strategy for his first one-handed laying maneuver, but still it was for him a strange feeling, drive off alone.

The first call I received as arranged directly after it left the port and set the sails had. The first hurdle was taken before. He had mastered alone Easy Storing and the journey could begin. We still use the land near (and thus the mobile network), to talk about a bit and so I was least acoustically with this, Dietmar as a group sighted whales. I am really looking forward to the pictures, obwohl live natürlich schöner gewesen wäre 🙂

The wind was unfortunately distracted still very weak and strong in the land cover of the island of Madeira. A short time had run with the engine, but with increasing distance from the land of the wind veered to the right direction and also participated in strength to. So then I was able to follow the Internet, as the SUMMER with speeds between six and eight knots south made good progress. Only the weather forecast makes me a little uneasy, there had formed exactly on Dietmar way a strong wind zone. So had the evening for the first time the satellite phone to believe it and I was relieved, when I listen to voice Dietmars. On the SUMMER everything was ok, although the wind had freshened considerably and yet already established a pretty high wave. Dietmar had therefore greatly reduced the sail area and looked quite confident now his first-hand counter-night. To calm my nerves, we agreed, to call all two hours.

So I felt like the next morning as I had even watched through the night on the SUMMER. Dietmar had the strong wind to 30 Node coped well and sounded on the phone and the circumstances of freshly. So we moved us during the day on e-letter, to the board cash to spare some. Thus, the mails were shooting during the day again more to the meal planning as the weather events, because the wind had clearly lost on day one force.

In the night I will have to miss out on further inspection calls and hope, to be maintained by occasional emails to date. Tomorrow at noon Dietmar will then reach Gran Canaria. Then I make three crosses and look forward, dass ich die nächste Überfahrt wieder live mit dabei sein kann 🙂

SY CESARINA

A log of our travels