TomBettle Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 Some of you have cruised extensively before, some (Martin) with me personally. So just to make you jealous and the remainder of you sick at the thought. On Saturday I leave for Santander where I am collecting the Atlantic Explorer which is a Rodman 1250 with 2 x Volvo 430Hp engines. Just a short delivery... to Madeira. We are coast hopping from dawn on Sunday morning to Gijon, Bayona and on to Cascais (Lisbon) before heading out for the 540nm (yes five hundred and forty) journey straight out into the Atlantic ocean. Sadly the fishing gear has been stowed to make way for the 1000 litres of extra fuel that is on deck because about 200 miles out is the Gorringe Bank a sea mount which rises from about 3000m to 20m from the surface. Just think of the fishing! It makes you weep not to experience it. The boat is geared for big game fishing and is privately owned. She was Galway based, but the owner chose to move her to Madeira for private and charter use. She's fully coded and well equipped so I am really looking forward to the cruise. Just ordered the charts today from Kelvin Hughes. My self and first mate (this mean the marlin wire man) Ollie are taking her to Cascais where my good mate and Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor Gary Braybrook from Cruise Control will be joining us to give us enough people to do 4hours on, 8 off, watches during the open water passage. Slightly nervous, very excited, can't wait! Tom Quote
Maverick Martin Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 Wow what an opportunity Enjoy the trip Tom and tell us the stories on your return Martin Quote
Jim Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 Yep ! It worked Tom. Think of me toiling while you're out there. And if you see anyone with a parrot on his shoulder and a patch on his eye, remember the word " Parlez " and tell 'em to " keep to the code " Jim Quote
mike02380 Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 Some of you have cruised extensively before, some with me personally i'm sure there must be a joke somewhere about toms cruising and George Michael sounds like a fantastic trip Tom, I hope they're paying you enough! Quote
lady jane Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 have a safe one. look forward to some photos and video. andy Quote
great white Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 I am sure that although the tackle is stowed the cameras will not be. We look forward to your report in the usual style when you return Have a good one, stay safe Charlie Quote
Rob Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 I cruised from Gib to Portsmouth - but at least I managed to fire mini-guns, GPMG's and Fly upside down in a Lynx!!! Not sure I like the idea of minimal fishing! But I am sure it will be one to remember (if they don't throw you overboard!!! ) Quote
Paul J Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 Sounds like Marlin country to me, i can't believe youre not taking a rod PJ Quote
fisherman1055 Posted July 13, 2010 Report Posted July 13, 2010 Tom in case you need extra crew remember i work 3 days a week and can take time off with little notice seriously have a good and safe time post pics of catches on website when u return Tony D Quote
pirky Posted July 14, 2010 Report Posted July 14, 2010 OOhhhh my !!! Hope you have a great and safe trip ..... can't wait for the pics.. Enjoy !! Dave Quote
TomBettle Posted July 16, 2010 Author Report Posted July 16, 2010 Looking at the weather charts for my trip tomorrow is like looking for a fishing trip here. Only about 1200 nautical miles worse! Looking distinctly breexy with 4m swells on the coastal section at the moment! Shipping forecasts are Rough to Very Rough. Oh dear. Quote
Rob Posted July 16, 2010 Report Posted July 16, 2010 Man up Bettle - get going and don't forget the flip flops! Quote
TomBettle Posted July 23, 2010 Author Report Posted July 23, 2010 Wearing my flip flops as I type... In Madeira. Quite an adventure. Some 1100nm including 520 in open water. Tied up in Funchal marina at 12:15 this morning. Spent the night in a lovely hotel from where I am now, a bit of boat tidying this lunchtime and an afternoon taking a dip in the ocean. Home tomorrow. Tom Quote
Maverick Martin Posted July 23, 2010 Report Posted July 23, 2010 Excellent glad you made it safely and didn't get to wet Really looking forward to the full story and pictures Martin BTW back just in time for the family day or are you all boated out Quote
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