Pivot (Madeira to Cadiz)

Since arriving in Madeira, we had been on the lookout for favorable winds for a crossing to Gibraltar. As much as we liked Madeira, we had made arrangements to spend the winter in southern Spain. Unfortunately, at this time of year, the conditions were more suitable for the opposite direction. This passage tested our capacity to figure out a routing as well as to pivot when conditions change.

HAVING A GOOD TIME IN MADEIRA

This time we arrived in Madeira in summer, which means that there were even more flowers and festivals. We stayed in Quinta do Lorde, a friendly marina part of a hotel resort.

Silvia tested all the hiking trails starting from Quinta de Lorde.

Festa da Piedade to protect the fishermen (and sailors)

This festival organized by the fishing community is famous for its maritime procession where decorated fishing boats carry the image of the Virgin from the port of Caniçal to the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, located right next to our marina.

Never ending boat projects

One of the reasons why we came to Quinta do Lorde was to get the professionnal help of Olivier from Sailing Madeira Performance (https://sailing-madeira.weebly.com/) to modify the attachment of the Spynnaker halyard at the top of the mast and to service the auto-pilot.

In addition, Yan completed various repairs (doghouse light, vitrifrigo lock).

PASSAGE ACCORDING TO PLAN

Because of the dominant NE winds, the direct route between Madeira and Cadiz was not an option for this passage that takes 5 days.

Our plan was to start by motorsailing in light N winds (Monday), then catch the NW winds (Tuesday) and climb as much north as possible. On the third day (Wednesday) the wind was due to shift NE and take us east for 2 days. There were easterly winds forecasted in Gibraltar on Friday, which was not ideal. But, nothing major in the area of Cadiz. So, we decided to go for it. As fallbacks, we had marked places on the south coast of Portugal and Spain.

Everything started according to plan in beautiful conditions.

The days went by and we made good progress. We were getting closer to our destination and enjoyed one more magnificient sunset.

SURPRISE

Without internet access, our wind predictions started to be less reliable on the fourth day. Nothing major, little discrepencies. Thursday evening began with light winds and our attention was focused on sucessfully passing the many cargo ships. We had started the motor to give us some speed and maneuverability.

At some point, we noticed that a headwind was building increasingly strong. It did not take long for the wind to reach 25 then 30 knots and the waves were increasing accordingly. It became clear that we would not be able to continue on this course. We decided to divert north to Faro (Portugal), where we would arrive the next morning after a bumpy ride.

FIND REFUGE ON ISLA CULATRA (FARO)

From our sailor friend Sergo (Planet Migo), we knew that there was a nice anchorage in the lagoon formed by Isla Culatra.

When we arrived, the wind had diminished a lot and the anchorage was protected from the waves by the sandy island. This place was well worth a detour and it would have been nice to stay longer and explore. But after looking at an updated weather forecast, we concluded that it was best to rest a little and to leave at sunset for an overnight passage to Cadiz.

Finally on Saturday moring, we arrived in Cadiz, at the same time as the Orient Express Corinthian, a luxury cruiship equipped with sails.