Position 41 41.36N 08 49.21W

Left Vigo marina on Monday 8^th August for Viana Do Castelo.  Great sail under genoa with 30-40 knots of wind behind us.  Had pod of about 20 common dolphins accompany us for about an hour, no pictures, too windy to go onto the deck safely. 

Moored on the pontoon outside the marina, after dodging many wind and kite surfers on our way in.  Marina people are very helpful. 

Viana Do Castelo is a lovely town with all facilities.  Streets are very narrow and there are lots of decorations being put up – in preparation for festival that starts 3rd week in August. 

Some of the very interesting doors.

Took a funicular railway up Monte de Santa Luzia, which is to the north of the town.  There is a modern basilica at the top, with fantastic views of coastline and town itself.  

Ate fried turbot last night and discovered the local fish merchants down by the docks, so will be fish for dinner again tonight.  We’ve had no AIS since interface fixed in Loctudy, but British boat told us this morning that he had similar problem when baud rate set at wrong speed.  Paul spent the morning going through manual and we now appear to have regained AIS.  The wind always seems to kick in at about midday and from the North, and is usually F6-7, despite the local forecast saying F3-4.  Best time to go north is apparently early in the morning, glad we are heading south!