Chit-Chat & Today’s Photo … A Beach Thingy
TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Jim … "Beach Combing" … more than that I can’t say? I asked Jim what it was, and he says he can’t remember, but that maybe one of the clever readers might know?
If my life depended on it, I think I would have to say it’s a cross section of a broken animal bone, possibly even from the back end of a large prehistoric bird, a Terry Duck Tail perhaps.
I think we are due an invasion of 84 sail boats soon according to this article, which covers the start of the ‘Mini Transat’, or Atlantic crossing to Brazil, with a Madeira stop.
"The reality is that the country is a magnet for those of us who can’t quite remember how we celebrated our 40th birthday, but think it was only yesterday. That is not to say it is unsuitable for young families, because, beaches apart, it has much to offer". No shortage of people on my local beach this Summer, in fact I avoid it like the plague because it is just toooooo busy. My turn will have to wait until next month. IRISH INDEPENDENT
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Loofah?
1An elephant with a dry skin problem.
2Hi All , the Yachts should start arriving in Funchal by Friday, and they are due to stay here till the 3rd October.
See the route below.
Route: Charente Maritime / Funchal (Madera Island – Portugal) / Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)
Nautical miles: 1,100 miles between Charente Maritime and Madera and 3,100 miles between Madera and Salvador de Bahia corresponding to 4,200 nm. The Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6,50 is the longest Transat (Mini Classe) considering the history of the race
Kilometres: 7,800 km
Start date from Charente-Maritime: Sunday the 13th of September 2009
ETA arrival to Funchal (Madeira Island): Friday the 18th of September 2009
Departure from Funchal (Madeira Island): Saturday the 3rd of October 2009
ETA arrival to Salvador de Bahia (Brazil): Thursday the 20th of October 2009
The most interests of the first leg: The crossing of the Biscay Bay, down-navigation along side of Portugal coasts, approach of Madera archipelago and landing off Funchal coast.
The most interests of the second leg: The down-navigation to Canaries Islands and to Capo-Verde Islands using the North-East trade winds, approach of the Canaries and Cape Verdean archipelagos, Getting into the doldrums, crossing Equator, Getting into the South-West trade winds southern hemisphere side and approach of Salvador de Bahia.
3If this is the trip I’ve won–Great?!!??!
4Enjoy your trip Martin – hope you’ve got your bags (and Kwells) packed for the 3rd!
Meantime, a change of subject, it’s not all just plain sailing you know but it is linked to nature:
Government subsidy covers Madeira in Solar Panels:
It’s not too late to take advantage of the National Action Plan for Energy and Efficiency implemented by the “Ministry of Economics and innovation”. (Sounds like a well paid Euro initiative but one that actually makes sense and could save you money…..)
Currently (until the end of the year) if you are a resident and homeowner here then you qualify for a grant of up to 60% towards the cost of having Solar Panels installed.
As long as you bank here with one of the “major” and recognised local banks (BES etc) then you also qualify for an LOW interest rate loan at 2.372% to finance your 30% of the costs involved – AND you get to make a further claim back on your IRS next year!
A typical 200 Litre, x2 panel, x1 tank system providing hot water for a household of four to five persons (x2 bathrooms min with “auto change over” to existing gas backup) should cost approx 2,700 euro, leaving you to pay approx 1,000 euro – borrowed at 2.372% for two years = approx 50 euro per month.
Figures given as guide only and for example. Do secure your own quote and visit your bank for details. Photo electric producing cells are also covered in the initiative.
5This is a great deal Jon.
6I reckon it could transform the appearance of Madeira within a few short years.