Monday 20 May 2019

After the rigours(?) of the last few days, we all had a lie in today. We were not planning to go anywhere as there was rain in the forecast. We had chores to do, most importantly to repair a delamination in the jib.  This is our oldest sail, and each year when it has been inspected, the sailmakers have suggested that a replacement might be a good idea. We have resisted so far, waiting for it to completely disintegrate, the surest sign that replacement is necessary.  We had noticed a small patch where one surface had come away from the others, so we set to patching it. Fortunately, there was very little wind, as we had to unravel the jib, while in the marina, and then lower the sail. We scoured through our pack of patches to find something suitable. These glue into place like giant sticking plasters, although they hopefully will not be too noticeable as they are white on a white sail. Once done, it was re-hoist the sail and then roll it away onto the furler. Hopefully it will hold for the time being, we fear that the sail will not make it to next year.

We were glad to finish this before any of the promised rain arrived, but in the end, the clouds bypassed us. We could have done things in a different sequence.

We chatted to our neighbour, a Spanish guy called Juan, with a very nice 63 foot boat. He was most interested in a couple of features of Equinox and we spent a happy half hour showing how they worked and giving him details of the manufacturers etc. In return he recommended a cove that we should visit, a few miles down the coast.

The most notable tourist attraction of Porto Cristo are some caves, located just out of town.  With our tickets purchased on the internet in advance to avoid queueing, we set off to walk there.  The route took us past a pearl factory, with the inevitable outlet for their products. We were able to see how the pearls are made, and then many examples of pearl earrings, necklaces, cufflinks, and so on.  We escaped with only a pair of earrings having been purchased.

The caves were remarkable.  Four main chambers, connected by walkways, with stalagmites and stalactites of all shapes and sizes.  At the bottom was one of the largest underground lakes in Europe, with crystal clear water reflecting the stalactites.  After spending about 40 minutes just looking at the formations, we came into a large chamber, overlooking the lake, with seating.  Once the entire party was settled, all of the lights went out, and rowing boats carried musicians playing classical music across the lake.  The acoustics were incredible, and the scene with just the boats illuminated was beautiful.

Distance covered today	0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	526	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	526	nautical miles
Steve (and Tricia)