You can't just rock up in a boat to the Galapagos Islands. The
Ecuadorians work very hard to look after this unique archipelago and to
protect it as far as possible from the impact of humans, balancing this
need with allowing visitors to come and see its wonders.
The World ARC team have taken on the administration of our visit to
make it as simple as possible for us. But it still feels like preparing
for a test!
Crew lists have to be submitted months in advance, with 5 paper copies
(at least one in colour) of each crew member's passport. The ARC team
apply for cruising permits which allow us to visit 3 designated
anchorages within the island group.
We have been extensively briefed about the rules and regulations that
apply to visiting yachts. We have to make sure that the hull of the
boat is squeaky clean, and it will be inspected by divers on our arrival
to check that nothing is growing there. If it fails inspection we have
to turn around immediately and leave G
Day 2 to Madeira, and we have borne away onto our course having finished with the shipping lanes. Goosewinged sails, 3 reefs in the main and 2 in the genoa, 25-30 knots of wind from the north, and we are making 7 knots with our windsteering at the helm: the Portuguese trade winds are with us, and are here to stay. The second picture is the view from the stern showing the towed generator and the windvane of the windsteering. And finally Bea on watch 😊
Notes from the Back Cabin, aka Beginners Biscay Dear Bridget I don't know anyone else who will read this blog, so here goes. It's for you. Notes to keep you up to date and (mis)informed? For anyone else who might read this, I am Stephen, resident of the Port Side, Stern cabin, Immaculately Tidy. I consider myself Able, as I can Splice, Steer and Trim. But I am not necessarily rated Able as I do not like to climb the rigging and might therefore be termed a Waister. Part 1 GB to BofB Saturday 31 st August Getting there and away This Able Waister started the trip to Salcombe by going to Edinburgh. Scotland was fine but is not the place to start a trip to Salcombe. Endless trains and buses, with too much luggage, and far too many emails eventually ended by not