Portugal

A vie of Porto Santo harbour from above
We had arrived after a boisterous sail from mainland Portugal to the island of Porto Santo. However, on approach to the island, the engine had failed to start. We'd managed to sail into the anchorage outside the harbour, where further tests indicated we definitely had a broken engine. What follows are our attempts to diagnose the problem and find a fix

A Sailboat With a Broken Engine

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Here is the full passage report of our sail to Porto Santo from mainland Portugal. On a sunny Saturday morning, we raised the main, and turned away from mainland Portugal. Our destination: Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago, 435nm away. We initially had stronger wind than expected with a lively sea, but by day 2 this began to settle and enjoy the passage.

Sail to Porto Santo: Our Full Passage Report

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this is a post sent via the SSB. All is ok onboard. Our 24 hour milage was 148nm. The wind was more than expected during Saturday afternoon and evening, leading to a bouncy night as the seas built. Sunday morning the winds eased and are now as forecast, from the […]

Portugal to Porto Santo: Position Report Day 1

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The first part in our 2021 refit series. In order to get Emerald out of the water, we have to endure the heart-clenching experience of seeing your precious home be lifted into the air. We look at the factors involved in choosing a boatyard and the types of liftout available for boats.

Refit Part I: Choosing a Boatyard

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We might as well write our plans in sand at low tide. Sailing plans can be fragile, easily broken by multiple factors - weather, boat problems or myriad unexpected issues. Sometimes the forced plan change can result in a good experience, sometimes its bad.

Plans Are Written in Sand at Low Tide

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April and May in the river saw a rise in temperatures and the drying out of the land. We fixed the galley cupboard floor - a job that's been on the list a long time! And I become a water babe.

Springtime in the Rio Guadiana

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This would be our first Christmas afloat at anchor. And Brexit was about to bring the first consequences for Brits who sail the EU. We wanted proof of location to keep our VAT paid status, so chose to obtain marina receipts from our closest marina.

Christmas Afloat and Brexit Looms Large

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