Vivero to Coruna
Minka of Southampton - Cruising Log
Edmund Wigan
Tue 16 Mar 2010 10:18
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An early start at 0630 whilst still dark to make
the best of the 60nm trip. Once out of the shelter of Vivero Bay the wind was15
to 25 kts sailing downwind like a gentleman. Then at 1100 the wind died
completely so we motored the rest of the way.
Took a few photos on the way.
 The
lighthouse leaving Vivero BayThis trip was a whole series of headlands with
lighthouses on them. These rocky headlands aree interspersed with some wide
sandy beaches. Lizzie told me that the coast is known as the Costa del Morte
which from a mariners point of view is understandable. With an old square rigger
you could easily be in a position where you couldn't beat off a lee shore. The
equivalent of 50 miles of Hell's Mouth on the Lleyn Peninsula.
 Just
to prove I did see the dawnI took eight shots to get one with the horizon
reasonably level. The sea was the flattest I have seen out here.
 A few
rocksDespite this picture they are very few rocks more
than one cable off shore so I was able to keep inshore all the way. If you look
at the map I had a go at putting in some intermediate. You get a little square
symbol on the map if I turn the Iridium phone off and then on again.It
seems you have to leave it off for a few minutes. At least this way it doesn't
look like Minka was on a low loader.
 Another headland, another lighthouseThis one was very imposing which does not show in
the picture.
Coming into Coruna the locals seemed to be
determined to ram us. This little fishing boat was rushing about changing course
all the time. I think they were chucking out lobster pots but he was in the
middle of the fairway going into the harbour.
 He is
only 20 mts off my stern ..........and to achieve that he altered course at the last
moment. I had already steered out of his way three times.
And then there was the big one.....
 She was being escorted by a pilot boatJust as I was approaching the harbour wall this
popped out.
So a good trip despite having to run the engine.
When the wind died it was very warm in the sun so I had a snooze on the inverted
inflatable dinghy stored on the foredeck. You can't hear the engine there
either.
Coruna looks interesting. I haven't been out yet.
The Marina Coruna is only two years old which is why on the map it doesn't show
any pontoons. They are here and very solid. The staff drive around them at high
speed in a six seat golf buggy so H&S has not got here yet. The facilities
are excellent including free WIFI, hence all the pictures, and there is plenty
of room. I am now going to have a look around the
town.
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