Slowly sailing to wherever our fancy takes us

Places We’ve Visited

Browse through the places we’ve visited

After a tricky departure from the pontoon in blustery conditions, we returned to the boatyard to investigate the overheating propeller shaft. We made repairs, replaced damaged cutlass bearings, and recalibrated the alignment between engine and prop shaft. Back in the water, testing showed no overheating, allowing sailing plans to resume.

Why Did We Have An Overheating Propeller Shaft?

23 February 2024 by Nichola

With Emerald back afloat, we were making plans to sail away south. But unknown to us, our batteries were starting to fail. Was this the right time to change to Lithium LiFePO4?

We Need New Sailboat Batteries: Lithium or Lead Acid?

2 February 2024 by Nichola

We were feeling low after our failed attempt to sail away from Porto Santo. We couldn't fix the propeller shaft bearings until a space came free in the yard. In the meantime, we needed to restore our spirits, so we went in search of some festive fun in Funchal.

Festive Fun in Funchal and Porto Santo

22 January 2024 by Nichola

18 months ago we'd arrived at Porto Santo with a broken engine. Since then we'd ridden a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we'd attempted to fix and rebuild it. At last we'd reached our moment of reward, setting off for new horizons. Or had we...

Leaving Porto Santo – Our Hotel California

15 December 2023 by Nichola

We just had some Coppercoat repairs to complete before choosing a date to launch Emerald. We were feeling a swirling mix of emotions - excitement to be afloat again tempered with the fear of something going wrong. And there were many things that could go wrong!

Emerald’s Launch From the Boatyard: The Moment of Truth

1 December 2023 by Nichola

A vie of Porto Santo harbour from above — Following a boisterous sail from Portugal, our engine failed nearing Porto Santo, necessitating a tow into the harbour. Tests indicated we had salt water in the engine, causing major corrosion. We were left contemplating difficult decisions regarding repairs, resources, and our future in sailing amidst this unforeseen misfortune.

A Sailboat With a Broken Engine

29 July 2022 by Nichola

On a sunny Saturday morning, we raised the main, and turned away from mainland Portugal. Our destination: Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago, 435nm away. We initially had stronger wind than expected with a lively sea, but by day 2 this began to settle and enjoy the passage.

Sail to Porto Santo: Our Full Passage Report

8 July 2022 by Nichola

The passage report from day two of our sail from Portugal to Porto Santo. We were finding our groove as conditions eased, allowing us to enjoy, rather than endure, the experience.

Portugal to Porto Santo: Position Report Day 2

27 June 2022 by Nichola

All was well on the first day one of our passage from Portugal to Porto Santo as we settled into sailing life

Portugal to Porto Santo: Position Report Day 1

26 June 2022 by Nichola

At long last, the time had come to leave the boatyard. After almost a year, far longer than we'd anticipated, the long list of boat jobs were finally complete. We just had to hope she floated once she was placed back on the water.

Boat Refit: At Long Last It’s Time to Leave the ...

18 June 2022 by Nichola

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

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