Where is Doris?...

Thursday 13 November 2008

Rubicon Anchorage 13.11.08 - 18.11.08

After several days of being ‘Billy NoMates’, Lindsey arrived on Thursday the 16th, and we were immediately joined that night by Aliisa (Lauri & Annina) and QuaterMoon (Sym & Amy) for a few beers.

It was really nice to have Lindsey aboard as I now had someone to eat ashore with and generally hang out with. We spent the days snorkelling, eating & drinking and watching a DVD.

Marcus (& Jess) arrived as planned on the 16th to meet Lindsey. Lindsey moving aboard Veracity to make room for Crutey who also had just arrived for his week holiday aboard Doris. That evening after a ‘run in’ with the local security guards for bringing our dinghies ashore on the sailing school slip and the ‘Ahole’ calling the police on us, we all went to a restaurant and caught up on what each other has been up to.

The next few days were spent snorkelling around the boat, drinking with our new found friends Amy & Sym on QuaterMoon and Crutey becoming a hardcore member of the Sea Pikey posse!

It seems Mr Crute took to the lifestyle almost without any training as demonstrated by him jumping off the stern armed with a bottle of shampoo!!

On Tuesday 18th Lindsey decided to leave Veracity and we welcomed Lindsey back aboard Doris just before we were to depart for Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Doris has crew!

Tuesday 11 November 2008

Lanzarote – Rubicon (Anchorage)

So whats been going on?... Well I stayed in Graciosa for a day, spending that day chilling out and getting the gallon or so of water from the forward bilges. Greg (an American single hander who we met in Madeira) on Carina was also anchored up opposite and the plan was for us both to leave for Rubicon marina the next day. Just after I set off he called me to say his anchor was fouled and was not going to be able to leave. I haven’t heard anything else from him since.

The sail down to south Lanzo was great with Doris sailing and steering herself in the following winds and seas. It was a bit swelly with waves coming from the W / NW which was a bit confusing given the trades are usually NE. I am guessing it was as a result of swell wrapping through the islands. Anyway, under headsail alone, we made a constant 5knots until the final headland where confused seas and what felt like a strong current forced me to use the engine for the final mile or so into the anchorage outside Rubicon marina.

The first attempt at laying the anchor resulted in me jumping over the side armed with snorkel and mask to find it laying in rocks meaning either the anchor was likely to pull or get fouled. A second attempt found a patch of sand just before it started to get dark.

I managed to assemble the dinghy on the foredeck and went ashore to meet Kat and her skipper Charlie. Kat is over here helping Charlie get Neroli (of Fowey), a 42ft Halberg Rassy ready for the ARC. At this stage Kat is trying to ‘hitch’ a ride with an ARC boat (maybe Neroli?) and will go to Las Palmas with Charlie and crew to find that ride.

After they finished eating Kat and myself went to the bar and then back to Doris. It was really good to see her again as it’s been over 3 months since I left the UK and her behind. The last few days have been very enjoyable and emotional. Its been slightly awkward in getting ashore to see Kat as I am ‘banned’ from entering the marina as I do not have an engine and rowing is not allowed!

Not much else has happened over the last few days. Crutey has booked his flights and will be arriving here in Rubicon marina on Sunday 16th and we will then sail to Las Palmas as well, where he leaves the following Friday.

Other late breaking news, Lindsay (of Veracity fame) will be coming out and arrives here on (this) Thursday 13th before meeting Marcus who is on his way from Madeira.

Lauri & Annina (hope I spelt that right) of Aliisa has just arrived today in Rubicon. They will enjoy the luxuries of the marina and I hope to share a beer or two with them over the next few days.

It’s a bit lonely out here in the anchorage now and with Kat gone, I look forward to my visitors.
At least I have some WiFi depending on the boats angle!

So … Looks like its all coming together nicely! Marcus get a move on, Steve (Zanda) stop playing around and get over here! Luna & Carma – see you both in Las Palmas! Theres a few ARC parties we need to get into!
Self Portrait.... The 'Ol Seadog' I have become!