Approaching Portugal

Elemiah's Atlantic Adventure
Ian Cole and Rosemary Bointon
Mon 14 Jul 2008 00:08
After the difficulties of no wind, it finally rose to over 20 knots with gusts up to 27 knots and so the last day and night we had a cracking sail. There was a lot of shipping in the shipping lanes which are about 15 miles off the cape. Roger really enjoyed dodging the ships and we were still sailing at about 7 - 8 knots so it was a fast ride. We had a magnificent view of Cape St Vincent as we passed it.

It was a somewhat awe inspiring to sail in seas where so many famous sailors have sailed - Nelson being the prime example. We thought too of all those who had been shipwrecked there too. The lighthouse, high up on the cliffs and teetering on the edge, was impressive even though we didn't see it when it was dark as we were still too far away. The geology of the cliffs was extraordinary.

I didn't sleep much - I was too busy thinking about the approach to land, the shipping lanes and leaving the boat. It will be quite a change to be back on land.

Rosemary and Ian