Conquilha III - From Algarve to Las Palmas

Covering the 650 miles between Olhão (Algarve/Portugal) and Las Palmas in 97 hours, using different sailing modes from one a half day using the engine to a new kind of intense sailing – at least in our Portuguese south sunshine and flat seas perspective – surfing 4/5 meters waves during the night, with more than 30 knots of wind and some rain, the CONQUILHA III is now safely in Las Palmas Marina, with a very happy crew and the ARC 2103 flag hoisted. For us the Atlantic circle has already started, aiming to be back to Portugal – Azores in May 2014.  In this shakedown sail we had a big worry when during a night maneuver under 25 knots of wind and those strange waves, the mainsail unintentionally jibed twice with one crew at the base of the mast. It was not funny and a great moment to. read more...

Conquilha III -Sailing from Algarve to Las Palmas

After several months’ DIY hard work on the water and at the boatyard, with new gear installed and tested – radar, solar panel, batteries, saildrive rubber gaskets, twin headsails, … - benefiting the help of good friends from SEAMOUNT and OCEANUS, the CONQUILHA III is finally ready to set sail from Olhão (Algarve/Portugal) to Las Palmas. Today, as soon this depression finally disappear and the northerlies looks to come back, three of the five ARC crew and one innocent guest will start sailing the 650NM south (215T), getting closer to the parties and to the November 24.Fernando, Miguel, Mário, Pedro & VitorCONQUILHA III at the boatyard. read more...