Day: 13 June 2015

The Wind instrument is repaired (just got the cable with socket and mast top sensor replaced under warranty) and the tear in the sail is sewed (thanks Speedy Stitcher ). I also got a new 20kg Rockna anchor which is supposed to guarantee me peaceful nights at anchor. So, as it seems Matilda is ready for the Baleares. Plan is to leave tomorrow in the morning at 06:00. The weather is still unchanged and the forecast is about F5 – F6 SW. That was the forecast for the past days too but it was blowing with F7. Anyway, once out of the harbour (which is going to be quite wet and choppy) we will have the wind from the right direction. After Cabo da Gata which is about 35NM away, the wind is expected to drop. Next destination is Aguilas.

Brand new 20kg Rockna anchor

Sail tear repaired

Waves at the Harbour entrance

Almerimar

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The trip to Almerimar from Bemalmadena was good sailing. We left at about 12:00 midday and arrived at 01:00 after midnight. A constant F5 – F6 was pushing from SW and we managed 90NM in 13 hours! Then, at midnight and about 5 NM off the harbour of Almerimar in a gybing maneuver it happened. The outhaul line clamp came off and all the force was applied to the little openings for the reefing lines at the foot of the sail. The cloth is quite thin there and it teared off. The sailmaker in Almerimar is of course not available but fortunately, since this part of the sail is not exposed to strong forces, it should be possible to go on as long as the outhaul line is stretched properly. I visited Spence’s chandlery shop yesterday and they have been very professional and helpful with the Raymarine wind instrument issue. The Cable in the mast was replaced and the wind sensor is arriving today. Both parts were showing corrosion because of a leakage in the joint. I was told that this is often a problem with these wind sensors. Let’s hope that the sensor will arrive and be installed today.

Heading east at 7 to 8 knots

Dolphins in the Mediterranean are smaller

Moored in Almerimar

Tear in main sail