Brian Blue Bear

[brian (Blue Bear)]

left Rubicon Lanzarote which was difficult we have met some Great People one being Wergner,[url][/url] with plans to travel down the centre between furtuventura and Gran Canaria using only my Imray Chart 100 not really taking a full account of land either side or the land under sea which turned out to be a mistake which cost me my laptop.... there is an underwater mountain which is marked vaguely on the passage Chart.... it rises from around 1500 metres to 20 metres from the Surface... I was travelling through the night in around force 4 with 2 reefs in the main with a following sea, It was comfortable and we were in no Hurry but contours on the Chart plotter made me a little Suspicious of the area so I decided to go Around towards Gran Canaria, As we got Closer to the peaks (there are Two) the sea became Steeper I set the Genoa small to steer us down the waves but It was a little too small and a series of two waves gave us a broad side slap which saw poorly stored Items fly around the saloon. Once we had cleared the area Gran Canaria was in plain Sight so we thought we'd stop for a night on the Hook... Lucky for us on the approach the Pin holding the Boom to the mast and the sail reefed Broke this tore the Stitching along the foot of the Sail allowing the boom forward of the mast.... It was too windy to do more than let the Main down as much as possible and hope for no more damage..... Las Palmas has everything you Could require For Sailing so no Problem...
I have replaced my tri Colour and Anchor lights for LED's Thanks to Simon Of BIRD[url][/url]who also turned out to be a great Cook[a href=""][/a]
I have met Several Friends here Past and New which makes it a Great place to stop and swap stories.
Dropping the Anchor on the Inside of an American Tub [a href=""][/a]Speaking First to Jeffery of FUBAR also american found that after the Tub had left us at Lanzarote going on to Furtuventura It hit a Rock around 2.5 metres below the surface the Ship damaged her hull with a dent for around 7 Metres breaking riveted Joints the Bilge pumps would not Cope with the incoming water but a Quick acting Fire Service were able to keep it afloat through out the night until very temporary repairs were carried out. we have since met a Crew member Gismo Who Is now displaced since the Ship has gone into dry dock. I have the history of the ship but It will have to be told in a later Story.
Barrenjoey and the Norwegian Couple have arrived here both with Autohelm Problems which will be Quickly Cured.
The scope of Knowledge and the diversity of Nationalities is Mind Blowing, and all Friendly People. we are on Anchor but after the LIGHT HOUSE tax marina fees are very very Cheap there are hundreds of Live aboards, many of which frequent the Internet Hotspot, Sailors Bar... It really is difficult to have Uninterrupted Internet Because of the unrelenting Company of fellow sailors..[a href=""][/a]Many People ask what my further Plans are as Always I will cross the Atlanic firstly ssw until I reach 20 degrees north then dependant on the winds will arrive at the lower Caribbean Islands furthest north will be Bridgetown, I have had Much advise as to where to head I hopefully will be able to leave a travel Plan with Martin before we leave but as we all Know Plans change frequently.

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Firstly We have a new Grandson Dafydd weighing in at 7lbs...

The cruising has become less about actual sailing and more about talking about sailing, another Crew arrived in the Caribbean without Incident or Drama....But las Palmas Is boat Party central for us aboard a 54 foot Danish Cat then a 65 foot Wooden Ketch both Boats being tied together to make one big Party...
will have to leave soon too old for these parties.... live music cheap alcohol really not good for me BUT the Quality of music will not come close to the Music of Graham and the singing of many club members...also met the American ship owner In his 70's still going strong adding to the live music... when He relaunches his Boat from dry dock there will be another Party....

Thanks to Neal the Cat owner and Tony His Engineer



Benidict, Daniel and Beatit (hope I spelt your name Correctly)



and of course Gismo a crewmember of the American Ship

Talking Sailing Tony and Benedict with Simon Preparing Cocktails



But as Bad as it Gets our view through Bloodshot eyes makes it all worth while

[Viv]

Congratulations to you both on your new grandson.
Your adventures (or misadventures!) now are getting almost past comment - what can we add to these fab accounts of derring-do! You will be able to dine out on these stories for the rest of your lives.
Just stay fit and healthy, and keep a good watch on your kidneys & livers!

Love to you both, you are sorely missed.

Sheila

[simpleered]

Congratulations to you both on your Grandson.I can only endorse Sheila,s remarks.Wonderfull stories, we all look forward to the next instalment. Good sailing, Brian King.

[Deleted]

Have a great time, congrats on your new grandson. Is Sue getting broody now?
Stay safe
Dave

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Seems we may be staying here a while all our Travelling Companions have now left, for the Caribbean, thought I would get the urge to move on watching the last go but It's warm Cheap good sailing clear waters here I'll stay a little longer. but my sailing the Atlantic will have to wait so entries will be few and far between, as the pace I am moving has slowed before I leave the Canaries I will post it here

[sheila]

It's a hard life Brian isn't it!

[sheila]

Brain & Sue, where are you? Haven't heard from you for ages. Hope you are both well and enjoying everything.

If any forum members have any news please keep us up to date.

[brian (Blue Bear)]

hi Sheila
still around Las Palmas although in the marina now I had to purchase a New tender and motor since my original was stolen from the back of my Boat during the night, this took several days to replace It had to be Ordered in... I have nothing to report really at the moment, keeping Busy helping Simon of bird upgrade his Electrical System adding solar charging and wind generator... spent some time on the American Ship Laragen turns out it is state of the art internally, with up to date systems that would make any engineer drool with excitement, AND, he´s looking for Crew,,, the pontoon I am on has a predominantly British Population (two Welsh) although there are Swedish Dutch Canadian French German Italian Brazilian Polish oh! and of course one or two Spanish. My youngest son Joined me some weeks ago my eldest and family will arrive tomorrow, by the time they leave us It will be to risky to cross the Atlantic anywhere above 15 Deg North so my plans hopefully will include some Stops along the African coast, with this in mind I am researching Gambia Senegal and Brazil, there is a wealth of experienced here who have visited all of these places so we´ll see how it goes. Sailing here is not that Great only day sail since anchorages Rare and usually exposed, but a little variety is added by joining crews of other Boats. when I restart my Journey I will post it here but Sea state and weather is Pretty settled so no more excitement on that front I hope while touching wood. a Big thank you to Andrew staff at Marine Scene for his speed and Customer care In dealing with my recent order....

[sheila]

Great to hear your news Brian & Sue. It's equally as exciting here (not!) You may have seen from the forum posts though that we are hopefully all going to Portishead this weekend. We had almost two weeks of fab weather lately, but then that all changed so now we are all wondering about the weather for this trip! Typical. Anyway, just wanted to remind you that you are in our thoughts

[Matt]

Yeah guys keep us up to date with the happenings and keep the pictures coming to make us jealous.

Matt

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Left Las Palmas at Last!!! Puerto Rico now.... left the fun, friends and Travelling Companions. Sailing with 8 on our Boat 5 adults 3 Children... Interesting as Customs record Passengers passports' not enough room on the Form maybe that's why they ask for a Crew list on ships paper or with a Ships Stamp.. day sail 4am leaving Las Palmas arriving at Puerto Rico 5pm after a lovely stop to cool in one of the bays exclusive hotel Chains have Commandeered for the sheltered Private bathing.
prices here More expensive mooring offset by much cheaper beer and some British Food (yes starting to miss a Steak and Ale Pie), Also heard from Barrenjoey now in Barbados after visiting the verde´s for two weeks after a five and half day trip to the verdies from las palmas then 2 weeks to Barbados well done thanks for the Inspiration

[Camelot]

A day sail Las Palmas to Puerto Rico??

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Apr 8, 2011 21:55:44 GMT Camelot said:

A day sail Las Palmas to Puerto Rico??

yes Puerto Rico Gran Canaria sorry didn't realise It would confuse, 8 aboard Blue Bear on an Atlantic crossing would be Madness never Mind no Exciting Photos a few Family ones and gran Canaria from the sea


Blue bears home for the next week too expensive to stay longer



Bedtime Preperations

View of the Island from the Sea



Crew resting


another view of Puero Rico (Gran Canaria)

[Camelot]

Ah, I understand now. The only Puerto Rico I was aware of is in the Carribean - You learn something new every day!

[ishtar]

Good to hear from you Bri, and great to see pictures of the cubs.

You've bought a wind generator? Is that in case you get stuck in the doldrums? Runs on petrol and blows wind at the sails. That sort of thing?

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Children have left Place feels very hollow now will leave tonight and decide where to sail as we sail, south for the first few days, wind generator and Solar panel along with Led anchor and tricolour no messing about here hope we will have some interesting reports in a few days, hope you get that new engine sorted.. Happy sailing.

[vikingsmb]

You have some cracking pictures of the scenery there, what is the temp's like in the water, and did you have problems with jellyfish??

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Hi Been around the Canaries For Some weeks now running into Two Months, Not sailed much been more of a party. Puerto rico was the warmest driest with no Dull cold days and no rain las Palmas had a 50 50 mix of sunny and cloudy days, a great many live aboards always something happening, thanks to Cape, Haymede, Aquamarine, Ladycat, Maid of Mettle and Phantom Lady.. Tenerife,, visited Los Cristianos but no good Anchorage, Shelter would be only suitable for Emergencies, La Gomara, San Sabastian,, a lovely safe well sheltered Marina, wonderful little town,

though a little Expensive in the Marina.. sailing close to the Islands there is almost always a fair Breeze with good sea conditions using very prominent sea land breezes. Water temperatures, around the Canaries varies from a cool 19 to a pleasantly acceptable 23 but there is always people swimming... Sometimes you really need to.

Daytime Especially Puerto Rico gets too warm but evenings messing around on the pontoons bring surprising results

The Kids Caught 4 of the above Species in one evening the other 3 much smaller



Bread was the best bait for the fish but left overs of Atlantic Mackerel caught the octopus

Rob asked about Jellyfish they have not been a Problem the Picture below was taken outside the Marina at Puerto Rico, would't want to swim with many of them.


Between the Islands the has been a Steady Supply of Tuna we throw most back, as one fish will last 3 of us 2 days
will remain here until Tuesday at least then it will be time to leave these Wonderful Varied Islands weather Permitting

[ishtar]

Just updated Brian and Sue's position on the crusing map. Seems they are in a place called Sodom and Gomorrah, but facilities there are better than Bargoed.

Keep it up, guys!

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Recieved a Skype call from Simon BIRD arrived at Cape Verde will leave today to catch him. weather is favorable at least for the next few days

[allan]

Good luck to you both. Stay safe.
Allan

[brian (Blue Bear)]

missed Cape Verde arrived Hann Bay Senagal, trip uneventful except for a Steady supply of Tuna of several species,




and a few lost lures and a few hundred metres of 26 kilo line we really need heavy duty Gear, we were glad to leave La Gomera very expensive marina Fees, 60 Euros per month Navigation tax plus tax on top of the tax??? made Falmouth look Cheap, weather wasn't that Great either,

Off the African coast the fish we caught varied....

will write more soon internet here very Good

[brian (Blue Bear)]

arrived Senagal at Saint Louis the northern most arrival Port the sand and trees in the background made it look stunning
but as we got closer to find the entrance to the river system we see shanty towns.

The swell made the prospect of crossing the Sandbar too risky so we continued down the coast to Dakar the trip was overnight sailing between Dozens of local fishing boats who would light orange flares if we got too close,
During the Morning we had visits by several Curious Fishing boats which were more like Canoes of various sizes,


they were very friendly and all asked for Pan (Bread) to eat, which we gave readily to the first since it was becoming stale anyway but the others we explained we had none so they offered us fish without requesting Payment, we declined we have had so much fish on the Journey just the sight put us off.
Arrival at Dakar ment rounding the Peninsular marked by a lighthouse in front of which a mile further out was a wreck.


Glad It was Daylight on that leg of the Journey.. Hann Bay was located behind the Main port, and looked from a distance not a nice place to stay and it was getting dark so we travelled across the bay around 10 miles to a marked anchorage, we were able to anchor 1 mile out in 4 metres of water this felt the safest option. first light we returned to Hann bay Yacht Club CVD, and inflated the Tender, while lowering it into the water we had a call on VHF 16 advising us not to use our tender but wait for the Taxi which runs every Hour, The Call Came from Oliver (sorry for the miss spelt Name) a French Skipper travelling with wife and Baby we had met in Las Palmas Gran Canaria.
The Taxi collected us along with another French sailor who we had also met in Las Palmas he gave us help in where to go and not able to speak English directed us to a person who Could, there are three here who can speak English so things are now easier.
The Place is a fishing Village which is very Busy a highlight was watching a Dozen or so men moving a large Fishing boat into the water Chanting to drums to get a rhythm as in the old African films GREAT!!!!

food here is Cheap Beer Reasonable as is the wine Club fees are low Checking our Passports in with the Police to have a Visa stamp was easy
the water here is not very clean but the bay looks attractive.

the Club House is a little Quiet but Friendly enough a view of the Club from the Boat.

I will have to plan restocking the Boat I think that will be interesting...... We´ll see

[ishtar]

Brian,

I think you have made a slight navigational error. It is my firm conviction that you are in AFRICA. Your intended destination, Brazil, is in South America.

You need to head towards the W on your compass, rather than the E, mate.

;D

Brilliant pictures, mate. A real adventure. You really are seeing the world, fantastic stuff.

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Think It may have been because I stored the Magnetic Chess next to the Compass,

[allan]

Brian is having problems logging on to the forum. They are setting off soon and heading for........well, Cape Verdi islands or Gambia or Brazil. My sort of navigation! When I hear any more I will post it here.
Allan

[ishtar]

Bri,

Just to let you know, that TV detector van has gone from outside your house now, so it's ok to come back.

Martin.

[brian (Blue Bear)]

Strange how your view of a place can change over a week, Senegal DAKER In my View a place well worth visiting, but 1 week is not enough, in this time It is only Possible to get used to the place..ONLY FRENCH is spoken.. French find the place much easier since the Official language is French.... the Authorities were Great, helpful, Quick and Polite.....as were one or two French Sailors.. The taxi's will take as much cash as they can from you but with Advise from the Club this was not Possible.. asking the Price, Laughing and suggesting the correct fare was normal and brought some smiles on both sides The Sea is Clear but not Clean.. The place is Third world although very Busy.. Internet very good Normally... Electricity Sporadic. wind in the bay blows a constant North 15 to 18 Knots giving enough onboard Electricity for refrigeration and to watch evening TV since the Days end at 9 45pm (last Harbour Taxi) dark around 8 pm. travelling the streets Daylight hours seems Safe indeed we´ve walked quite a few Miles..Local food is good Fish very Cheap some other foods Prohibitively Expensive even to Most Europeans we have met here restaurants to European standards (Food wise, the Buildings are still little better than Shacks) are Quite expensive.... Club Life is Friendly with many African and French expat Members keeping the Place interesting. Moving on because of a Constant red dust being blown from the north damp heavy atmosphere, and the season will deteriorate quite quickly, leaving to the west tonight...

[allan]

Good to hear you are happy with life. Good luck when you move on, stay safe.
Allan