Aztec Arrival - The wait is over

Meeting Aztec Dream

The wait is finally over!

It was such a long time ago we agreed to purchase Aztec Dream, and in truth we did not really get excited. In fact most of our time and focus was spent getting Scarlet Lady as good as she could be to hand over to Jan and Kel. Then came the news of the delay in shipping Aztec back to the UK, which meant we could no longer take part in the Rally Portugal. As it turned out this was probably a blessing in disguise. Only two yachts made it to Bayona, with the rest having to divert in F8 conditions.

Firstly thanks are given to Ian and Sally for a really comfortable bed for the night, and one of the best Indian meals we have ever had. That was the day before handover, and by the way next time we hire a car we will get Sat Nav, as finding Shamrock Quay and the return car drop off depot was a little challenging.

Handover was arranged for 10am and went smoothly...ish. Maybe more on that another time, but later on in the day we discovered the gas installation was not great, and despite a two year certificate we will be changing it at the earliest opportunity.
The Sat Phone arrived back from having had a small repair, but the installation to get weather (Grib files) and email on the boat address was fraught to say the least.

We also had a visit from good friends Chris and Frances who had just returned from Trinidad, where their yacht Usquabae of Fife is sitting out the hurricane season. Chris and Frances were on the Rally Portugal 2012 and we both over-wintered in Almerimar. The following season we turned left and they went right. It was amazing to see them both looking well, and what amazing stories they told us of their travels. Ian and Sally also paid a visit to see Aztec, so we had a little Rally Portugal reunion. 

Lynne, Sally, Ian, Chris and Frances (L to R)

We left Shamrock Quay at about 4am. The idea was to leave earlier, but the skipper (Me) should have tested the nav lights the night before. The port (Red) nav light was not working, and in the early hours of the morning it was a challenge to discover how the unit came apart to allow access to change the bulb. Armed with a variety of screwdrivers it finally popped off with a simple press of a quick release button! The wiring appeared to be a little corroded, so the WD40 came in useful and the bulb was changed. Unfortunately the housing for the bulb was not fitting as it should, so an elastic band was fashioned to make a temporary repair.

Assuming most of our readers have not left Shamrock Quay in a new yacht with only just enough room to turn, it was nerve wracking but went smoothly. The pilotage was tough at first as this was not only a new yacht, but just about the first time we had gone to sea in seven months. Southampton water has got to be a great place to train as just about everything is thrown into the mix.

First impressions are that Aztec is enormous in a tight space. 14.5 metres with the tender on the davits, but out on open water the size shrinks and she feels small! The view from the helm is totally different from Scarlet. Aztec is a low slung racing/cruiser, and frankly a little sexy. The teak decks really make her feel like a small ship.

Taking local advice we negotiated the Needles at just the right time and managed to sail at over 8 knots without much effort, but then again we did have the tide in our favour. Deploying the main sail was not without issue as we had no reference for the height of the boom, and managed to get it stuck on our first attempt. The next one went well, and it even has telltails to make trimming easier.

The final leg of the overnight passage was exhilarating, with 15 knots of wind behind us and the huge genoa performed really well.

Once outside Plymouth the wind was gusting 20 to 26 knots so we made a considered approach into the Sound, past the warships sleeping at anchor. 

Our intended marina at Mayflower greeted our request for a berth with a cheery 'no problem', and we moored adjacent to a Princess 30M 

Another great experience here with helpful staff and great facilities, including a bath!

Most of the set up tasks have now been completed, so we treated ourselves to a Sunday roast at Jolly Jacks.

The weather for the crossing which we will start on Monday (23rd June) appears to offer some sailing and some engine. We have set a waypoint in the plotter for Bayona, but we have other options if we need to.

Well that's about all. The next update will be when we can find web access, so until then greetings from all on Azzy and will sign off this post with a few pics of her interior.