[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”][/av_one_full]
[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”][/av_one_full]
[av_one_fifth first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”][/av_one_fifth]
[av_three_fifth min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”]
The maiden voyage was an almost as big adventure as the 12 years before, haha !
Whow !! The first storm was already on the Amazone river, just before Belem. We were still cleaning up, arranging everything, getting “acquainted” and still in the dazze of reality. Happy. Very Happy you can say but suddenly Eolo told us a good lesson: don´t you sleep at the wheel my friend !! From nothing the huge tropical pitch clouds gathered and smacked us from behind, wake up guys !! Later first sand bank was kissed, our keel losing her virginity after a week already ! Sailing on the Atlantic was one big spontaneous orgasm, how wonderful she sailed, how sharp she reacted on wink of the wheel, how wonderful se feels with her sails full, her massive bow rising up and down; like she had done this for centuries already !! 14 little but vicious storms threw us up and down, having the best test ever: healing 35 degrees and mainsail reefed in less then 15 minutes ! The girls and cookie hid down below, shaking of fear: we were dancing, hugging each other and jelling and screaming – what a vessel she was !!
Mr Gamboa had chosen the wrong engine… it steamed, honcked, bounced, leaked oil on all sides and after the hard work done, it shook one more time and silenced… Holy shit, not now my friend, we need to arrive in Bahia ! Fortunately at that time Eolo was in a good mood and we sailed with 11 knots down South, leaving the engine problems for what they were at the moment. Ah ! Forget it son – you are being arrested buy the Brazilian Navy –
WHAT ??
Politics, wonderful politics. The Nau Capitania, a replica organized by the Navy, was just capsized in the harbor on its first sail test; unable to participate in the Brazil 500. So how could they allow another vessel, even made by gringo´s to take the show alone ?? We were literally captured, 2 frigates on each side, 1 towing us in. Holy Mo… and now ??
Afterwards it was best thing would could have happened: a seriously infected leg could have been treated in the military hospital and we were able to find the spare parts for the engine. And all was fixed in time when the Generals and Admirals had to decline their request to keep us on the chain ! Oh Gloria, we still could make the 22nd of April !!
And yes, we made it on time: our 2nd 50% was in the air for Vasco´s contract and I don´t think a foreigner has ever celebrate that intense another nations birthday, haha !!
We arrived later in Rio with the Vasco sporters onboard; Dinamite, Torben, Lars and the whole bunch – fantastic !! And I must say; that was one of the most emotional arrivals I ever had. Up to now, not been exceeded yet ! Rio de Janeiro is so incredibly beautiful from the sea; the mountains, the beaches, the Christ statue and the big sleeping giant…. This was the end of the construction part of the dream and what scenery can you more wish ??
Brazilian can do a lot of things but organizing a party is one of their best qualities I think. The Nation entirely was Yellow, Green and Drunk !! We had a lot of reception and parties onboard, with a fun a getting to know the Rio scene, people and habits; very good ! We had another 3 months with all schools from the neighborhood of Vasco football club and that was very nice to do. Gringo pirates telling youngsters about the discovery of Brazil, life onboard and adventures when you chase your dreams !
[/av_textblock]
[/av_three_fifth]
[av_one_fifth min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”][/av_one_fifth]
