Cascais and cruise nearly done

Associate3
Chris & Katie Russell
Wed 14 Jun 2017 18:12
38:41.52N 009:24.75W
 
We left early to tick off the 45 miles or so down to Cascais and dodged the lobster pots for the first 5 miles or so. There were remnanats of the sardine fleet returning home with their catch but they were not a problem in the slight swell coming at us from the north west. We motored south in the lights winds, tried to sail but when down to 4 knots that was a bit slow so back on with the engine to push us along until.......the wind from 8 knots to 22/24 in an instant off Cabo de Roca - we doused the main and carried on under genoa (foresail) watching the 90 or so Dragon fleet who were conducting their world championships this week out of Cascias.
 
They looked quite small in the large 2.5 - 3 metres swell. So much so they had a yacht with an inflatable mark at the top of his mast standing - as best he could - at the top mark to show competitors where to aim......
 
As we rounded  the next cabo (headland) the wind started to fade as predicted and we ended up motoring into the port.
 
We felt rather elated as this had been our semi goal when we started and here we were. It all felt rather grown up - with a sophisticated marina, larger yachts and motor boats and a 'proper' seaside town geared to tourists with crowded beaches
 
We had covered over 1000 miles in a little under three weeks without major incident, had meet some great people and cruised in some waters that we had never seen or experienced before. Oh and eaten some wonderful fresh seafood.
 
We intend to move into Lisbon proper on Friday and give Associate some well earned rest and some tlc while we return to the UK for 3 weeks or so - after which the adventures will resume.
Cascais - a 'proper' resort
With a serious fishing habit....
 

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