A few more pics from the most beautiful boat of Alhandra and, therefore, of the world

Courtesy of Bigareta's crew, Fulô near Vasco da Gama Bridge, on our way to the Tall Ships Race start in Lisbon

Heavy weather...

After 22 years of sailing in Alhandra I'd never seen myself in such a mess... 12 miles under strong winds, high and tight river waves and a useless motor hanging out the stern was what we had against us yesterday evening returning from a sight seeing trip to Lisbon to watch the Tall Ships Race start...

On the way down everything was fine and I even took some pictures, on the return trip, well, things got a little bit complicated and there was no time for pics...

Lessons learned? Plenty:

1- I really need to solve the motor aeration issue (probably by lowering its mount even further);
2- I need a smaller weather jib (or a reef in the current one)
3- I need another reef in the main

But mainly:

4- I need to learn to trust my instincts better than on Windguru's...

Cheers!

Twisted panoramics

Fulô, the mighty Piver Nugget from Portugal, here on some wicked photo stitches...

 

Another sourceforge marvel: http://hugin.sourceforge.net/

Another sailing weekend (out of the very few I've been able to enjoy this year)

This year I've decided to celebrate my birthday in the best way possible: Sailing upriver Tejo.

Underwater traps for thin hulls (such as ours) entering Valada. These steel pipes are used to anchor fishing nets:

A grounded willow tree log in Valada:

Figaro Six "Oceanus" entering Valada under power

First mate Neil resting in the shade

Folk boat "Castro Junior" leaving Valada

Fulô, anchored close to shore:

A couple of friends in a romantic cruise in Fulô's dinghy:

Long exposure shot of the moon. Saturday night in Valada

Another long exposure picture

1st July morning. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!