Slowly sailing to wherever our fancy takes us

Yearly archives: 2021

Part one of 2021 refit series. In order to get Emerald out of the water, we have to endure the heart-clenching experience of seeing your precious home be lifted into the air. We look at the factors involved in choosing a boatyard and the types of liftout available for boats.

Refit Part I: Choosing a Boatyard

2 October 2021 by Nichola

Looking to visit the Ilha da Culatra in the Algarve? Well read on to find out how to get there and what to do once you're there.

Escape to the Ilha da Culatra, Algarve

26 June 2021 by Nichola

It was time to leave the river for an appointment at a boatyard in Faro. Emerald was in need of some TLC.

To the Boatyard – Our Escape From Glue River

26 June 2021 by Nichola

We might as well write our plans in sand at low tide. Sailing plans can be fragile, easily broken by multiple factors - weather, boat problems or myriad unexpected issues. Sometimes the forced plan change can result in a good experience, sometimes its bad.

Plans Are Written in Sand at Low Tide

6 June 2021 by Nichola

April and May in the river saw a rise in temperatures and the drying out of the land. We fixed the galley cupboard floor - a job that's been on the list a long time! And I become a water babe.

Springtime in the Rio Guadiana

28 May 2021 by Nichola

After several boat toilet fails, we began to research alternatives. This year, we bit the bullet and chose to install a custom built composting/waterless toilet.

Choosing and Installing A Composting Boat Toilet

20 April 2021 by Nichola

For the second part of our review of our winter afloat in the Rio Guadiana, we look at the good and bad points and ask "would we do it again?"

Winter At Anchor in the Rio Guadiana: Part II

16 April 2021 by Nichola

A review of our sailing adventures in 2020. It covers highlights and low lights, the number of miles sailed and where we spent each night. Also included is a breakdown and analysis of costs over the year.

Annual Summary of Travels and Costs 2020

31 March 2021 by Nichola

This would be our first Christmas afloat at anchor. And Brexit was about to bring the first consequences for Brits who sail the EU. We wanted proof of location to keep our VAT paid status, so chose to obtain marina receipts from our closest marina.

Christmas Afloat and Brexit Looms Large

20 March 2021 by Nichola

We began to settle into a routine on the river. There were boat jobs we could get on with, whilst discovering the fun to be had.

Winter Afloat in the Rio Guadiana: Part I

5 March 2021 by Nichola

If we wanted to spend a winter at anchor, it was essential to replace our anchor chain. After 11 seasons of use, the old chain was noticeably deteriorating. This blog looks at our choices and the swapping over process

Emerald’s New Anchor Chain

17 February 2021 by Nichola

orange sky and water of a sunset sky at Ilha da Culatra — Having left the Rio Guadiana, but still undecided as to where to spend the winter, we waited at Culatra for west winds to settle. There we could enjoy the uniqueness of the sand island, its tractors and its amazing nature

Sailing to Culatra – the Island of Sand

5 February 2021 by Nichola