And so we begin...
It continues to bring both surprise and pleasure how much we both love being on Inelsamo. After close to five months absence for me, I really did feel like I was coming home when I stepped back on deck. Craig’s relaxation levels are also obvious. It’s that feeling we all have had after being away from our own homes, beds and showers!! That ‘aahhh’ feeling.
As you might recall, Inelsamo has been resting in Albufeira, Portugal, throughout the European winter and like us, really needed to stretch and get back into the swing of it.
Craig spent a week with her and the Celtic Marine team (who have been looking after her for us), in February hauling her out, buffing and polishing and getting her a ‘bottom’ job done. So she was looking ready to go when I arrived. So once back there was no rest for the wicked! Our job was to recommission her, rethread the sails, service the engine and
give her a general once over and we only had a couple of days free in order to do that before beginning the first leg of our new sailing season. I admit a total lack of confidence in our joint capacity to get those sails back on, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to find that, notwithstanding multiple bruises and some bloodshed, we managed it successfully. Even more thrilled on our shakedown sail that they hoisted properly and filled with wind!!
So after a couple of days of hard work, we caught up with some friends to share a day out, pottering along the Algarve coast for a BBQ and making
sure everything was working beautifully. We also had a visit, while at anchor, from the Portuguese customs folk who were intrigued with both the name "Inelsamo" and "Mooloolaba".
Then we farewelled Albufeira and started our final trek into the Mediterranean! On this month's journey, we only have a short 192 nm to travel to Gibraltar so we are hoping to take it slow and enjoy the journey. We’d like to spend as much time at anchor exploring the little bays along this last stretch of the Algarve and south western Spain. Our first planned stop will be in Vilamoura which we are told is pretty upmarket. From there hopefully we’ll be at anchor off the barrier islands near Faro and Olhau. Next stop then will be our first back in Spain!
