New crew

We have just returned from a 5 night visit to Valencia over half term with Zefi and Theo aboard Bumblebee.  This was a trip to test the water -sleeping onboard but securely fastened to our pontoon in the marina.  Jozefina is now 4 years and 4 months old, Theodore is a month away from turning 3. We are hoping to instil a excitement for boats without taking too many risks.

The kids were ok on the flight so the captain invited then to come and inspect the cockpit.

The kids arrived completely over excited just in time for bedtime.

We had no intention to sail straight away but instead wanted to show the kids around the wonderful city of Valencia.  We sipped through the private gate to oggle at the beautiful super yachts.

We wandered the beautiful old streets, explored the amazing playgrounds, splashed around in the waves and found a fun Japanese restaurant.

We took them to the Oceanarium to see the beluga whales.

There were one or two thunderstorms that struck while we were sleeping safely inside. The noise of the rain was deafening and as we soon discovered was just a precursor of what was to come a few days later.

After a couple of days we felt brave enough to slip our mooring and set out to sea.  We gently motored out of the marina and out into the bay.  We had the good fortune of being recommended a wonderful mechanic called Joaquin who had tackled all the engine issues from our previous trip. We had a new heat exchanger, and internal exhaust. The boat had been lifted out, anifouled and a new shaft seal set in place.  The engine received a thorough service and clean.  Robin and Lily had borrowed Bumblebee in August to sail to Ibiza so we knew everything was working as it should.  Except with boats there is always something.. at the moment it's the anchor windlass that refuses to work. Luckily we had no need to anchor on this short trip.

The weather was mild and the was absolutely no wind -perfect for Zefi and Theo's first outing.

Already feeling comfortable with the kids on board I confess that I have developed a wandering eye for for 15 metre boats with navy blue hulls..

Kids don't enjoy food markets quite as much as Julia and I.

Our second day on the water saw perfect conditions -a flat sea, some sun and a gentle breeze.

I think it's safe to say the kids found their sea legs. They just about understand when it's ok to mess around and when we're being serious.  I can't wait to get them out to the islands to swim from the boat and explore in the tender. Happy times ahead!

Once again we gave Bumblebee a very thorough clean and scrub and said goodbye until next time.

Just days after flying home to England, Valencia was hit with a devastating weather event.  Huge quantities of rain caused flash floods and widespread destruction.  The images coming through are heartbreaking and the death toll currently stands at 200 but is increasing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.  We are not too concerned about Bumblebee and it is too soon to ask anyone to inspect her but our friend with a boat nearby says she is ok.  After a massive flood in 1957 the Turia river which flowed through Valencia was rerouted around the city.  The old river bed became a lush green park and the new channel was built 3 miles south.  This rerouting saved the old city from disaster in these last few days but transferred the flooding to the southern neighbourhoods.

Bumblebee's berth is ringed in red showing how the north marina and old town were spared from the flood waters. As far as I know the old riverbed, now Turia park is unaffected by the flood water, more than can be said for the southern districts.