"Mário, the rifle is leaking!"

Next day, after the front passed, came the associated stronger winds, but the sea was comfortable and we were motivated. Unfortunately, the whole day went by and we didn't see any dolphins, until the right end of the day when we were already coming back. They aproached and started bowriding. However, a large cargo ship was coming our way and we had to change course. This proved fatal to our efforts. Not the changing of course, but the fact that a large cargo ship doing over 10 knots it's a much better ride than Clavadel. We found the dolphins again bowriding the cargo ship, and jumping several meters high in the air. After 5 minutes, they were already too far away. Our dolphins were gone, and Mário turned to me and said "You can curse loudly now!". In my mind I already was!

Fortunately, later on we found another group (or maybe the same decided to come back). We got to our battle positions, and I aim. When I get my chance I shoot, but no air came from the rifle. The gas canister was empty I thought. I changed to a new one and get another shot but miss. At the second opportunity, the same thing happened, and no air comes out. "What the hell?!" I heard Mário saying. I was puzzled too, it was a new canister. I change for yet another and when I finally get a shot I figured what was hapenning. "Mário, the rifle is leaking! Our day is over!". I still tried to get some samples on a one shot one canister basis, but by this time, the dolphins had changed their behaviour and were constantly avoiding the boat, so we just head back. On the way I disassembled the rifle and realized the problem was in the piece that controls the intake of air (quite predictably!). It was either the piece itself or the rubber seals that were wearing off, but I couldn't know exactly what it was. Until I did I would be forced to return to the pole, or stock up gas canisters!

Nortada settled in the next day, and it was pointless for us to try and stay. We sailed the next day with strong winds and waves over 3 meters, and I finally tried Clavadel new saling abilities in a real crossing. We were obviously pleased. The boat was incredibly stable, and the waves were hardly noticeable. We averaged over 7 knots the entire day, taking 9 hours to do a crossing that would usually take well over 10. There was a sailing boat visible just above the horizon when we left Porto, and we arrived at Figueira 10 minutes behind her. Once in Figueira, a british couple who moored by Clavadel turned to me and said "What a great sail today hey?!". I couldn't agree more!