I am still afloat

I think by now, people are beginning to wonder that, perhaps I sailed off into one of those dynamic sunsets. Truth be known, I have sailed into many and sunrises alike. Today was a spectacular deep orange looming up to bless us with yet another beautiful, sunny day. But the eventual answer is no. I am still around Algarve.

When out sailing, I can not always get an Internet connection. Alas, I am then reduced to scribbling notes on my ongoing antics.

A few weeks ago I was having a fantastic sail down to Tavira (check map). Smooth running, as they say, making excellent way goose winged and all. About 2 miles off the entrance, I saw a grey military ship, cruising a mile off my stern. I acknowledged them with a wave and a smile as they approached to take a closer look.

Within ten minutes, three crew had launched themselves in a R.I.B, and were speeding towards me. I took a deep breath and my shoulders dropped. What was in store for me, I dreaded, as they skimmed across the water, throwing up white surf behind them.

Unbeknown to me, I was last on their list of inspection figures that day, to check for illegal immigrants and vast quantities of drugs. Neither of which I could produce, so they started checking through my safety equipment, paperwork, etc. Now on the one hand, I could have politely told them to go forth and multiply, but they all were sporting guns in holsters and they outnumbered us, so I complied.

Suffice it to say, in all the confusion I couldn't find various things and what I could produce, was out of date! Their faces took on a grave look, and I thought for a moment, they would arrest me on the spot, seize the boat and throw away the key.

The eventual outcome at the office of the Policia Maritima, was they hadn't heard a Dicky bird about me and had comical puzzled looks on their faces, when I thrust my paperwork under their noses. Including the various objects I found at a later date, that were in date.

One of them openly joked with me and wished me a pleasant stay, as I retreated with haste out the door.

Now there's an F word that springs to mind and it's not the one you are thinking of!!