Peniche

Moonbeam
David and Lynn Wilkie
Sat 14 Aug 2010 19:24
 
 
39.20.926N    009.22.337W
 
Friday
The plan was the 35 mile trip to Nazare and for once we had good sailing conditions with about 20 knots of wind from the NW but a 2-3 metre NW swell; however we broad reached at 7 knots all the way.
 
    
 
     60ft going North!
 
 
However there was no space in Nazare for us so we hoisted sails again and headed for the anchorage in Peniche but soon the wind died to the point the swell shook the wind from the sails and we had to add some engine revs to maintain progress for the additional 24 miles. Despite the sunshine we both felt cold today and long trousers and fleeces were the order of the day.
It would have been nice to have anchored at Isla de Berlenga but the swell was over 3 metres and I imagine the anchorage would have been untenable. As we approached Cape Cervoeiro the wind increased again to 20 knots and contrary tide created a seriously confused sea but Moonbeam stayed dry even though we had taken the precaution of fitting the companionway wash boards!
 
     
 
We were glad to round the cape and drop anchor at 20.00hrs just outside Peniche harbour (off the beach ) where the only disturbance was the noise of the seemingly endless stream of fishing boats heading in and out. 
 
  
 
 
 The marina was closed to all visitors.