RIP Grippy - Bad Idea or Bad Technique: Anchor Buoy Drama
Sailing Spain, anchoring problems and real cruising life aboard our sailboat Helios. In this episode, an anchor buoy mishap turns into a lesson while moving down the Spanish coast to Palamós in changing weather.
In this episode, things don’t go quite to plan with our new anchor buoy, Grippy. After spending a peaceful 24 hours at anchor, the weather begins to change and we decide to move further down the coast in search of better shelter at Palamós.
While setting the anchor, the buoy line is pulled through the propeller, snapping free from Grippy and causing damage to the buoy itself — but thankfully without immobilising the engine. It’s a good reminder of how quickly simple manoeuvres can turn into lessons when cruising.
Once everything is under control, we head ashore to explore the beautiful seaside town of Palamós and catch up with our friends Di and Stu from The Campbell Gamble. By the end of the day, all is well aboard Helios — although Grippy doesn’t come away unscathed.
Another day of real-life cruising, problem-solving, and learning as we continue sailing Spain.
Episode S03E39 Recorded: Mid-September 2025
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4K Video
Chapters
00:00 Where's Grippy gone? Issues when lifting the anchor
02:33 Bashing to weather
03:25 Adventurous Kayakers
04:29 We stuffed up! - RIP Grippy
11:30 We visit Palamós
17:31 Visitors - Di and Stu
18:20 Clearing the line off the Propeller
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