Ep. 10 - Atlantic Crossing to Madeira - Technical Failure 200 Miles Off Shore

After almost three months of day trips along the Spanish and Portuguese coast, we prepare again for a longer passage: sailing four days and nights to Porto Santo and Madeira. We start relaxed: light winds, long waves and dolphins playing with Zeezot (and Anne's feet!). But in the first night the wind increases, the waves become higher and things are starting to get more uncomfortable. In the second night a loud beep from the motor induces total silence; the engine dies completely and therefore we have no electricity anymore. With winds up to 30 knots, waves up to three meter and sometimes confused seas, the sailing varies from awesome to challenging. As we approach Porto Santo in the morning of the fifth day, we are happy and nervous at the same time. Approaching a new place without a working engine (and after four nights of hardly any sleep) is not something we look forward to. Watch us sail into the anchor bay under full sails!