GIBRALTER, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

Jobs to be done in Gibralter included adjusting the balast of the boat with extra wine and beer. The teak deck needed recaulking in the heat and the bosun/first mate took that job on. As engineer I had to do the oil change and filter changes on the engine. In order to ensure cold beer for the rest of the passage the fridge needed regassing. Emptying the locker was the hardest part of this task.

GIBRALTAR

Gibralter has a bustling town centre. This week is National Week and is celebrated with concerts and bands. Everyone is patriotic. Something we can do with at home! There is a strong military presence and this must be a nice posting. My hero Nelson is still remembered and the Barbary Apes keep watch over the citadel. There is a memorial to all those who fought and died for the Rock. Thank God Blair did not succeed in giving it away.

PASSAGE FROM CADIZ TO GIBRALTAR

We sailed from Cadiz to Gibraltar via Barbate. We had to leave Barbate sooner than we would have liked because of threatened easterlies blowing out of the Strait of Gibraltar. This would have delayed us by a week. Shame because Barbate was a lovely Spanish holiday town. Passing Cape Trafalgar we dipped the ensign out of respect to my hero Nelson and all who lost their lives in this great battle. We are now safely moored up under the Rock of Gibraltar. Thus concludes part one of our adventure. More to follow on Gibraltar.

JEREZ

Jerez is the sherry capital of the world and also known for its equestrian training. We visited Sandeman`s bodega for a tasting and tapas. The distinctive logo of Sandeman as in the guide`s dress is derived from the Spanish hat and the Portuguese cape, representing both sherry and port making side of the business. Note the resident stork! There is a very Moorish influence in the architecture.