Summer in Barcelona

Finally we've got sunshine and warm breezes each and every day. I don't know if it is my Scandinavian roots that makes me obsessed with the sun or if it just has been an unhealthy long winter. Either way I'm glad that the summer finally started so I can work on my tan and do something about my terribly white skin. I am almost as pale as the boat, as you can tell. /T

Spring sail (sail problem part I)

After checking the forecast, we decided to try out the new working jib. There was some frustrating twenty minutes when the jib (which is originally not for this boat) didn't want to let go of the forestay and in the end Alex had to cut a line to finally be able to release the mess. Since we had some problems also with the main sail (!), we were left with only the working jib - but surprisingly we got up all the way to 6,5 knots, just with that small little thing. (with the wind off the land, 23-27 knots).

It's funny how the combination a small hill (Montjuic) and a river valley (El Valles) can interfere as much with the wind forces and directions as it does. Nevertheless it was a very pleasant and smooth spring sail on a beautiful day.

Clear blue sky

Good morning from the boat! Looks like the summer finally decided to show up again (after snow storm and other unpleasant breaks in between). And it is Friday. And weekend. And what does that mean if not two days full of sailing ahead. Por fin!

Talking of addictions

I wonder what she would do if her blackberry fell into the water. /A

Addictions and passion

Alex is consuming sailing magazines like a fashion blogger consumes her fashion magazines. In the very beginning of when I got to know him, he had the whole boat loaded of them, and now I have to realize that also our home is slowly getting filled up by these. At least five new per month. It also appears that the hierarchy of publications goes in the same order as in the fashion world: French is the most valuable and respected, then the American, the British, the Italian and lastly the Spanish.. Yeah, when thinking about it, somehow I always had a feeling that French actually does everything better. Thanks for confirming! / Taru

The calm before the storm

This unpredictable weather starts to go on my nerves. Was looking forward to get the summer here at the soonest so we can get out sailing, but all it looks like is that the stormy weather and rain keep on living their own lives. I give this shitty weather max one more week! /T

Shades of the night

Dinner and wine on the boat tonight

Must say that we are very lucky for having the opportunity to be owners of two homes. One in the middle of the city. The other on the sea - with a chance to set off whenever we want to. The possibility to leave the "normal" world every once in a while. And to be able to live close to the water - is all that a stressful city mind needs sometimes.

Planned route

So this is what it looks like at the moment. Naturally there will be plenty of smaller adjustments and changes along the way, but this is the guide line.

At the moment we're cruising around in the Mediterranean, waiting for the perfect time to move further West and approach the Atlantic crossing in November this year, 2010.

The Atlantic passage will be done straight after the hurricane season, which is normally around June - October. Hoping to be able to use the trade winds to be pushed over to South America and be safely over in the Caribbean for Christmas 2010. New Year is due to be celebrated in Antigua.

Planning on doing some island hopping in the Caribbean for some months and thereafter transit the Panama canal, out on the Pacific side of the world. Galapagos is definitely one of the first ones on the must-visit-list, after that... who knows where the winds will bring us next?

All we know is that we're about to enjoy ourselves to the fullest. Explore the sea and ocean life, get away from the materialistic/superficial world to reach new insights, step away from the normal world to gain something new - and to share these beautiful things with the person we love the most.

S/V Caos - Hallberg Rassy 352

Spring is back at least.

Hmm... Time to repair the sail?!

And that is not the only thing we need to repair.

We need to get the refrigerator working again, the wind generator needs to get installed, the blige pump needs some reparation, then the refinishing of the teak (!).

And now we just figured out that the sails are in need of some good old stitching.

I'm happy that Alex has more patience than I do.. :o /T

Contradictory

Last weekends cruising with some friends was fantastic. Wind was pushing us all the way from Sitges back home on Monday morning. Speeded up to 8 knots. The sun was shining like ever before. Cannot believe it was only a week ago when you see what's going on here today. Unbelievable:

View from our balcony this morning. Ha! That's what happens when wishing for a fast lane to October!

Planning the voyage

Alex came home with this informative book last night. Going through different currents and routes while sippin on an aged Martini Rosso. Mmm delicioso. But seriously, can it be October already? I don't want to wait any longer!

Some of my photography

Check out my Flickr account if you want to see more of my sailing and ocean photos. (Or any other photography of mine, if you prefer)

/Taru

Catalonian sunset

Early spring sunset between Barcelona and Sitges.