Surprise in the water

Found floating next to the Lady A, we adopt a new mascot to be seen later during the World Cup. 

Cathedral in Palma

Soaring Gothic cathedral, begun in 1230 and still able to dominate the eastern part of the city. 

Palma, Mallorca

This is only part of the harbor scene in Palma. This view is atop a castle overlooking the city. 

Lady A Crew arrive in Palma, Mallorca

A Chinese dinner was on the menu for our first night ashore in the spectacular city of Palma, Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.

Captain and Engineer Porto Banus

Our evening in Porto Banus was enjoyable watching the beautiful people from the comfort of a sidewalk cafe.

First Mate Pasquale and Captain in Porto Banus

Pasquale and Captain K get ready to take in the nightlife ashore in Porto Banus, Spain.
Porto Banus was a great place, fun, busy, lots of girls (this from Pasquales' perspective) and wonderful shopping. Captain K got the D&G hat you see in the picture and Pasquale of course, a sweater from Armani.

Pasquale checks out St. Michael's Cave

Between the stalactites and stalagmites Pasquale explores St. Michael's Cave which because of the excellent acoustics has been turned into a concert hall.

Spanish Fountain

On our trip into Spain to check out the marina at Porto Banus, we came upon a fountain with tiles to represent all the winds. The wind that prevented us from coming into Gibraltar for 6 days is know as a Levanter. It is a strong wind that blows from the east through the straights of Gibraltar.

Barbary Apes

Our "rock" tour also included a close up and personal encounter with the famous Barbary Apes that live on top of Gibraltar. Legend has it that the Bristish will leave if the ape colony dies out.

Queen's Birthday Casemates Square

On June 14 we were treated to a ceremony to mark the Queen's birthday. The Governor inspected the troops and bands played in the Casemates Square that during the Spanish occupation formed part of the old town.

Rock of Gibraltar

Our "rock" tour included going inside the World War II tunnels that honeycomb the limestone rock of Gibraltar. Cannons are mounted on the shear cliffs that overlook Spain. One siege lasted 4 years when in 1779, Spain tried to take Gibraltar while Britain was preoccupied with fighting against its colonies in the American Revolution.

Lady A arrives in Gibraltar

Lady A arrives in Gibraltar after being delayed 6 days in Cadiz, Spain due to gales in the Straights of Gibraltar. We are safe and sound and ready for an exciting summer in the Med (when the wind stops blowing!!!!!)

The Famous Horta Yacht Harbor Wall

Keeping with tradition of painting the name of the yacht on the harbor wall, the crew of Lady A
proudly displays our contribution, insuring a safe return home. From left to right, Captain K, Dennis Kelley, Engineer Bill and Lisa Kelley.

Relaxing

The Captain and Engineer relax at the famous Peter's Cafe Sport in Horta, Azores. Please check back for more pictures. Our departure has been delayed another few days so we will try to post more in a day or so.

Recent Shipwreck on the Northern coast of Faial

Our island tour came across an unexpected sight. A hugh ship loaded with containers had grounded on the north side of the island and although no lives were lost the ship seems unrecoverable. She is aground in a bay in relatively shallow water but the pounding waves make it almost impossible to get the cargo off loaded.

Horta Marina, Azores

Lady A alongside the wall in Horta, Azores with Pico in the background. The new marina is nice but very crowded. Since this picture was taken 3 more large motor yachts have arrived and have rafted next to us, two deep along the quay.

Delayed by Weather

We have been watching the weather, waiting for a window that would allow for good weather for the 1200 mile leg to Gibraltar. Some significant wind and seas are delaying our departure from Horta.

The good news is that it will give me a chance to post some pictures. Please check back for the lastest updates.

Lady A Arrives in Horta, Azores

Lady A arrived this morning in Horta after 9 days at sea. The island is just as we remembered it from our visit in 1984 when we sailed Coeur de Lion into the same harbor. We plan to spend about a week here for a well deserved rest and then head to Gibraltar where we will begin our Summer season. Pictures to follow.

Lady A Arrives in Bermuda

Hello Everyone,

We are in Bermuda after a 3 1/2 day trip from Savannah. The weather has deteriorated and we are revising our plans for the next leg. Instead of heading for the Azores, we will start out toward Madeira which is about 500 miles further ( the new worry will be having enough fuel) and then about 6 days out will make the decision on whether to continue to Madeira or make a left hand turn up to the Azores. There are several gales in the Azores area so we will basically head straight east to try to avoid them. The next leg will take from 9 to 12 days depending on our destination. We are in contact with weather routing daily so will have continual updates. Don't worry, we will be just fine! Sorry about no pictures, but will catch up when we get more time.

First Mate Pasquale Cassalia goes on Vacation

Pasquale is flying home to Italy for a visit before rejoining the Lady A in Gibralter. Shown here in Trellis Bay on Beef Island, BVIs.
We will miss him during our Atlantic crossing.