Timeline

Grouping by cruising season


2
Departing Porto Santo for Gran Canaria, 310nm south, we anticipated challenging conditions, with 3m seas astern. Departing with a downwind rig and despite uncomfortable movement and little sleep, we managed through changing winds and rig adjustments. After three days and a precarious night entry into Las Palmas, we arrived, relieved.

Full Passage Report: Sailing Porto Santo to Gran Canaria


LAT|29|02.16|NLON|15|40.19|W VIA Ham Radio:Day Two of Porto Santo to Canary IslandsTotal miles sailed: (mon-tues) 11am-11am 134nm Current position: Approx 40nm north Tenerife, heading 164deg, speed 5.2knots. Sea state bumpy, decreasing to rollercoaster. Passage notes: Second night was a tad tiring, gusty fickle winds, and then sustained F7 just aft the […]

Porto Santo to Canary Islands Day 2


Porto Santo typically experiences north/northeast winds due to the Azores High. However, in autumn and winter, the high shifts bringing southerly and westerly winds, waves and swells. Boats on both moorings and pontoons jerk and creak, creating sleepless nights. We watched many from the boatyard but in January experienced our first in-water storm.

When the Wind Blows in Porto Santo



After a tricky departure from the pontoon in blustery conditions, we returned to the boatyard to investigate the overheating propeller shaft. We made repairs, replaced damaged cutlass bearings, and recalibrated the alignment between engine and prop shaft. Back in the water, testing showed no overheating, allowing sailing plans to resume.

Why Did We Have An Overheating Propeller Shaft?



We were feeling low after our failed attempt to sail away from Porto Santo. We couldn't fix the propeller shaft bearings until a space came free in the yard. In the meantime, we needed to restore our spirits, so we went in search of some festive fun in Funchal.

Festive Fun in Funchal and Porto Santo