Slowly sailing to wherever our fancy takes us

Portugal

We just had some Coppercoat repairs to complete before choosing a date to launch Emerald. We were feeling a swirling mix of emotions - excitement to be afloat again tempered with the fear of something going wrong. And there were many things that could go wrong!

Emerald’s Launch From the Boatyard: The Moment of Truth

1 December 2023 by Nichola

A vie of Porto Santo harbour from above — Following a boisterous sail from Portugal, our engine failed nearing Porto Santo, necessitating a tow into the harbour. Tests indicated we had salt water in the engine, causing major corrosion. We were left contemplating difficult decisions regarding repairs, resources, and our future in sailing amidst this unforeseen misfortune.

A Sailboat With a Broken Engine

29 July 2022 by Nichola

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

8 July 2022 by Nichola

The passage report from day two of our sail from Portugal to Porto Santo. We were finding our groove as conditions eased, allowing us to enjoy, rather than endure, the experience.

Portugal to Porto Santo: Position Report Day 2

27 June 2022 by Nichola

All was well on the first day one of our passage from Portugal to Porto Santo as we settled into sailing life

Portugal to Porto Santo: Position Report Day 1

26 June 2022 by Nichola

At long last, the time had come to leave the boatyard. After almost a year, far longer than we'd anticipated, the long list of boat jobs were finally complete. We just had to hope she floated once she was placed back on the water.

Boat Refit: At Long Last It’s Time to Leave the ...

18 June 2022 by Nichola

Part one of 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

2 October 2021 by Nichola

It was time to leave the river for an appointment at a boatyard in Faro. Emerald was in need of some TLC.

To the Boatyard – Our Escape From Glue River

26 June 2021 by Nichola

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

6 June 2021 by Nichola

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

28 May 2021 by Nichola

For the second part of our review of our winter afloat in the Rio Guadiana, we look at the good and bad points and ask "would we do it again?"

Winter At Anchor in the Rio Guadiana: Part II

16 April 2021 by Nichola

A review of our sailing adventures in 2020. It covers highlights and low lights, the number of miles sailed and where we spent each night. Also included is a breakdown and analysis of costs over the year.

Annual Summary of Travels and Costs 2020

31 March 2021 by Nichola