PREPARATIONS FOR THE CRUISE
No one has yet really believed me when I have said that I was to be launched by a fork lift truck .... a 7 ton 31ft yacht; you must be joking well here is the vehicle. Fork lift truck
Sadly I was too busy with paint brush (or just fretting for my boat) to worry too much about taking pictures during Walkaway's lift. However I did manage to take the boat next to me being moved out of the way to show how easy it is..... Walkaway's neighbour in the slings

Each year you learn and improve. Last year Helen and I managed to blow out our old main in a thunderstrom on the way to Barcelona. So this year a new main made by a father and son in Mallorca; loose footed main, two full battons at the top with a bigger roach and lazy jacks. Here she is in her new livery.

I also had some unexpected problems the worst being that the batteries had both died. The local electrician was amazed that the last ones had lasted 6 to 7 years but I was not impressed at the cost of replacements.

 Walkaway's new livery
I arrived Alcudia on 6 May and eventually managed to get away on the 13 May to Cala Formenta, a bay Julia and Clare really enjoyed last year. It houses the most expensive and exclusive Hotel on the Island. Interestingly the buoys in the bay had been lifted and so I anchored in the lee of the island and had a peaceful night before sailing for Barcelona 100nm NW. This was the first use of our new Spade anchor and I am glad to say we stayed where we were put!! Not a real test however as the conditions were relatively benign.

NEXT CHAPTER CLICK HERE

Return to Index