Fuerteventura

It was time to move on from Lanzarote Marina (Arrecife). We had been there nearly 3 months, the friends we had made had moved on and we wanted to be somewhere less commercial.

At 10:15 am December 12th on a good forcast we left in the direction of Fuerteventura, destination Gran Tarajal. Our cruising guide states more of a Harbour with pontoons than a marina. Sounds ideal!

The wind was coming unusually from the south but we figured we could manage close hauled and we did until the current pushed us too far landward. A yacht about a mile in front of us, on a similar course tacked out to seaward and then turned south again to take advantage of the wind angle. It was just what we planned to do. The wind started to become variable near the land. This is what the other yacht must have experienced. We tacked out to sea but we were not making the turn of speed we had seen the other yacht get. The wind died, BLAST! On with the engine, but now we had further to go!

We arrived at Gran Tarajal Marina at 2:15am. What had started as a pleasant sail had developed into an arduous journey(not the first time). The reason being that picking a calmer day, the wind isn't as strong and without a powerful engine it's difficult to maintain a constant speed.

In the first few days we met Pete, Tim & Bee and Robert & Liam and were made to feel truly welcome. These guys are semi retired, on their yachts and think the place is a hidden gem. We are inclined to agree. 

Tim & Bees' Amel was in the boatyard so they came over for Christmas Dinner. We actually found a fresh Turkey in the Hipodino in the town.

Tim and Bee brought with them a huge bottle of vintage French vino. The photo is out of focus but so was everything else after drinking it. 

Mystery guest  Verner (on the right) He brought brandy. 

We entertained again on New Years Eve and on board we had a Dutch couple, 2 French couples, 3 english men and 1 German guy. The Dutch couple Albert & Renata aboard "Lycor" were fab!

When Liam aboard "Warisha" was diving, he noticed our anodes were almost gone and offered to fit new ones for us. When he had difficulty installing them Albert finished the job (it would have helped if I had bought the correct max prop anode first time !) Thanks so much guys!

Albert had fitted out Lycor himself and we were amazed when shown round it. The boat is 'for sale' unless he's already sold it. Lycor is a 'Reike' steel yacht which looks like a battering ram on the surface but once entered looks like the 'starship enterprise'.Wow!!!!

'Lycor'

The winter in the Canaries has been a bit chilly 20 degrees during the day, 12 degrees at night ( the coldest and windiest in 20 yrs so we've been informed). However late January the sun has arrived and we are having great weather - back to the outside jobs. We mounted the Outboard motor and the Barbeque onto the stern rail. Made covers for them along with back rests. Alison also cleaned the hulls waterline.

Our youngest son Gene is flying out to join us as he is in between courses at University and at a loose end. Amazingly we have managed to clear the V berth cabin for him (not a storage room any longer). 

V berth emptied. Now to somehow find a place for everything. 

Did it. 

Other news is that our oldest son Zak and girlfriend Beth have made us grandparents with the birth of Lettie May Lofthouse on the 19 December. We are delighted!