Ferry to Salvador
13/08/08 21:33
Another trip on the little ferry to Salvador. Today, with a lower tide, the coral reef off Mar Grande was exposed.
An incoming ferry rounding Mar Grande beacon.
Exposed coral reef at Mar grande entrance. The passage is not very wide.
Our visit to Salvador was to shop and run a few errands. Günter needed new bearings for his wind generator. We noticed this building dating from 1912. In an early post I commented on how many buildings were in need of restoration. Today we were told that many buildings and vacant blocks in lower Salvador are being bought by investors fro restoration of redevelopment.
Günter on the return ferry.
An incoming ferry rounding Mar Grande beacon.
Exposed coral reef at Mar grande entrance. The passage is not very wide.
Our visit to Salvador was to shop and run a few errands. Günter needed new bearings for his wind generator. We noticed this building dating from 1912. In an early post I commented on how many buildings were in need of restoration. Today we were told that many buildings and vacant blocks in lower Salvador are being bought by investors fro restoration of redevelopment.
Günter on the return ferry.
Cora-Mae back from Salvador
10/08/08 22:42
Günther called last night. Cora-Mae would be launched this morning. I agreed to take the ferry over to Salvador and crew her back.
The yard had done a good job and she looked very smart.
Two coats of anti-fouling, the waterline raised 2 inches and the gelcoat polished.
In she goes.
The duty manager at Bahia Marina and one of her crew. Note security badges which staff have to wear at all times. Access to the yard is strictly controlled.
We had a lovely sail back arriving at Itaparica marina at 15:30.
The yard had done a good job and she looked very smart.
Two coats of anti-fouling, the waterline raised 2 inches and the gelcoat polished.
In she goes.
The duty manager at Bahia Marina and one of her crew. Note security badges which staff have to wear at all times. Access to the yard is strictly controlled.
We had a lovely sail back arriving at Itaparica marina at 15:30.
Senac Salvador
07/08/08 21:16
Another trip on the Kombibus and ferry. I’m becoming a regular.
Kombibus interior. The chap with the green cap is the conductor.
Kombibuses outside the ferry terminal at Mar Grande.
A typical ferry at Mar Grande on the eastern side of Ilha Itaparica. Robustly built of wood with powerful engines, they do the trip to Salvador in around 45 minutes.
Ferry interior. This one can take around 190 passengers. Side screens can be rolled down in case of rain or rough weather.
Approaches to Mar Grande. Much of the eastern side of Ilha Itaparica is protected by a coral reef. There is a small gap allowing access to Mar Grande.
Arriving at Salvador.
Today Günther and I arranged to meet Manfred, a member of Arautu Iate Clube, who looked after our boats while we were away.
As a thankyou we took him to lunch at SENAC. This is a vocational training organisation operating throughout Brazil which this year celebrates it’s 60th year. On the 11th floor of their building is a buffet style restaurant staffed by SENAC catering students. There are panoramic views over the surrounding area and the food is excellent.
Self and Manfred at SENAC. Beyond Manfred construction work on Salvador Shopping is visible.
Manfred and Günter. Beyond them is a huge billboard featuring Larissa Luz (a Brazilian singer) advertising nearby Shopping Iguatemi.
Afterwards we had a wander around nearby Shopping Salvador. This is a massive mall which when completed will be the largest in South America. It is no different to shopping malls elsewhere but here it offers a chance to walk about in a more relaxed manner without being on street crime alert.
Kombibus interior. The chap with the green cap is the conductor.
Kombibuses outside the ferry terminal at Mar Grande.
A typical ferry at Mar Grande on the eastern side of Ilha Itaparica. Robustly built of wood with powerful engines, they do the trip to Salvador in around 45 minutes.
Ferry interior. This one can take around 190 passengers. Side screens can be rolled down in case of rain or rough weather.
Approaches to Mar Grande. Much of the eastern side of Ilha Itaparica is protected by a coral reef. There is a small gap allowing access to Mar Grande.
Arriving at Salvador.
Today Günther and I arranged to meet Manfred, a member of Arautu Iate Clube, who looked after our boats while we were away.
As a thankyou we took him to lunch at SENAC. This is a vocational training organisation operating throughout Brazil which this year celebrates it’s 60th year. On the 11th floor of their building is a buffet style restaurant staffed by SENAC catering students. There are panoramic views over the surrounding area and the food is excellent.
Self and Manfred at SENAC. Beyond Manfred construction work on Salvador Shopping is visible.
Manfred and Günter. Beyond them is a huge billboard featuring Larissa Luz (a Brazilian singer) advertising nearby Shopping Iguatemi.
Afterwards we had a wander around nearby Shopping Salvador. This is a massive mall which when completed will be the largest in South America. It is no different to shopping malls elsewhere but here it offers a chance to walk about in a more relaxed manner without being on street crime alert.
Cora-Mae to Salvador
05/08/08 21:48
Cora-Mae needed some work and Günther had arranged for her to be hauled out at Bahia Marina at 09:00.
I went along as crew. This meant getting up and at 03:30 for a 04:00 departure at high water. With very little wind we motored all the way arriving at Bahia Marina at 08:10.
Cora-Mae awaiting haul-out.
The haul-out dock.
Our haul-out was booked at 09:00. This being Brazil we were actualy hauled out at 12:30. Given that this is probably the most expensive marina in Brazil, half a day matters and Günther had to pay everything in advance. A conversation took place regarding a refund for the lost half day. TIB - This is Brazil.
With an increasing wind Günther positined Cora-Mae in the haul-out bay. Before lifting the foreman jumped in to check on the slings. There is no ladder access so Günther and I rode up with the boat.
All OK. Now the lift can begin.
Up she comes...
Now we can get off.
Every year penguins migrate from Patagonia and proceed north up the east coast of South America. Normally, they go as far as Rio de Janeiro. This year, due to stronger winds and lower temperatures affecting ocean currents, some penguins have reached Salvador for the first time. Salvador is also experiencing the lowest winter temperatures for 70 years..
Some have become distressed and are being assisted by the Instituto de Mamíferos Aquáticos.
I went along as crew. This meant getting up and at 03:30 for a 04:00 departure at high water. With very little wind we motored all the way arriving at Bahia Marina at 08:10.
Cora-Mae awaiting haul-out.
The haul-out dock.
Our haul-out was booked at 09:00. This being Brazil we were actualy hauled out at 12:30. Given that this is probably the most expensive marina in Brazil, half a day matters and Günther had to pay everything in advance. A conversation took place regarding a refund for the lost half day. TIB - This is Brazil.
With an increasing wind Günther positined Cora-Mae in the haul-out bay. Before lifting the foreman jumped in to check on the slings. There is no ladder access so Günther and I rode up with the boat.
All OK. Now the lift can begin.
Up she comes...
Now we can get off.
Every year penguins migrate from Patagonia and proceed north up the east coast of South America. Normally, they go as far as Rio de Janeiro. This year, due to stronger winds and lower temperatures affecting ocean currents, some penguins have reached Salvador for the first time. Salvador is also experiencing the lowest winter temperatures for 70 years..
Some have become distressed and are being assisted by the Instituto de Mamíferos Aquáticos.