Peniche
Chiscos - Atlantic Cruise
John Simpson
Mon 5 Sep 2011 09:08
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39:21.13n
09:22.61w We eventually left Povoa about 9am on Saturday. We
originally thought we would go to Cascais, but we talked to several other boat
crews in Povoa and they suggested coming to Peniche. This is slightly further
north than Cascais - but apparently a nice old town and considerably
cheaper (!) than Cascais. It provides an equally good point for 'jumping off'
the coast of Portugal to get to Madeira.
We had a great night in Povoa before we left. We had
dinner with Ann and Geoff from Nyda and Rob from Beyzano joined us later - both
ARC boats. We then cleared up and were having a sing song with the guitar when
there was a knock on the coach roof. We feared it may be one of the other boats
telling us to shut up! But it turned out to be Jan off Susanna (also an ARC
boat) carrying his guitar and asking if he could join us! He is joining the
ARC from Finland. We played and sang into the night. The next morning the boat
next to us left early.....I'm not sure why!!
The leg down to Peniche was challenging. Not much wind
during the day and then it blew and rained 30 kts from the NW during the night.
This carried us quickly to Peniche where we arrived at about 0830 on Sunday
morning.
 The crew seemed to enjoy the passage and the food was up
to the usual fantastic standard!
 On arrival at Peniche we had a 'brush' with the local
police - but once they had checked our papers they seemed quite
happy.
 Peniche was apparently settled by the Phoenicians and
was the scene of an English landing in 1589 and there is a big fort constructed
to keep someone out or someone in (not quite sure which!)
  The town is small but attractive with small back
streets and a main square.
 Today we leave for Madeira which will hopefully take us
about 5 days.
John
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