Azores
17 May 2012 | x
Sherryl
How exciting. Chez patrick sailed gracefully into the Azores on Tuesday, with a very tired but jubilant crew of Paddy, Gary and Robert on board. By all accounts, they had a thoroughly challenging time of it. I know what a really strong wind, feels and sounds like. But I have never experienced 52 knotts. And beyond huge swells. And torrential rain!!! What a combination. All this, in the pitch dark as well. Paddy says that the sound of the wind and the sea under those conditions, even scared him and Gary. Poor chez patrick. I can only imagine, how that most faithful of all yachts ever built, tried her level best, to keep her crew safe and comfortable, under very uncomfortable conditions. She did her usual shake, rattle and roll. A microwave oven was unceremoniously hurled a few metres across the galley floor. It still works!!! My orchid, Pallas Athena, lost a few pieces but is still hale and hearty, to tell the tale. One broken batten and a damaged genoa, was the only damage and the batten was an old, already repaired(albeit badly) batten. Repairs started immediately. As the boys tied the last lines, the sail came down and the batten came out. A lady was found to sew the sail and a new batten was put into place. Then, the important business of sampling local cuisine was attended to. Yes, the solid and the liquid. Good fun was had by all. The two foodies headed for the fresh market supply yesterday, to replenish much loved, fresh stock. The last fresh stuff is being bought, as I type this blog. All three are eager to get into the good ship, and set sail for Cadiz again. One never leaves port on a Friday and they are not keen to wait until Saturday, as there appears to be a good weather window now. A Friday departure apparently signals bad luck!!! We don't want that. I just love their che patrick look am slightly concerned that their words revolutionary etc might awaken port authority security , but on verra....let's see:-)) if I type that as they were about to enter Cadiz, a port authority boat approached them, and boarded, don't be surprised:-))!! Must admit, just love love love Paddys new look. Yes, I totally adore him in a beautiful suit, tie and parfum, but I love the mafia cigar look. And the longish, curly hair:-)) I mean, he is on retraite, after all!! Can you imagine what his former colleagues would say. I know for sure, that Moni will look this look too:-)) I am determined to get her onto chez patrick in the very near future. Gary seems to be in his element. Think it's all very new and quite tough for Rob, but I hope he's loving it and getting used to the choppy seas!! Paddy has stolen my favourite phrase and says he's "gatvol gecross" now:-)))!!!! Just love it. I'll make a coffee shop sailor out of him yet!!!:-)) he tells me that boat work is very hard work!!! As if I don't know:-)))!!! Heheh. I cannot wait to welcome them into Canet Port one of these days, with a rather large and ice cold magnum of my favourite champagne!!! Not sure obviously of the date yet, but it is getting closer, every day. Still can't fix my photo bug, so will post the pics on my facebook. Will keep you updated. Lots of love and as usual, A la prochaine Xxx