Viana do Castelo

Persephone... Cruiser/Racer
Nigel & Karen Goodhew...
Wed 6 Jul 2016 16:37
Another charming port we visited on our last migration. The sail rom Vigo was initially rather optimistic as there was very little wind as we nosed out of the marina at the imposingly named Royal Yacht Club, Vigo.

But the little wind we had was about right for a spinnaker, so we hoisted it more in hope than expectation. And to our delight, the northwesterly piped up to about 9 knots and powered us to about 7 knots towards Bayona and out into the Atlantic.

After the relative protection of the Islas Cies, things got a degree more difficult. We had to turn left, away from the wind, reducing the apparent wind speed experienced in our sails. At the same time, the relentless Atlantic swell kicked in, making setting any kind of sail a trial . But we persevered until we were about 4 miles from the entry to Viana.

I won't go into too much detail, but one feature of trying to sail too "deep" in light winds and big waves, is the potential for the kite to wrap around the forestay as soon as you relax your concentration. We had an episode of this so called fun, and it was caused by, or coincided with a decision to break out some lovely cold drinks....enough to divert concentration with time consuming and challenging results for your bowman, the writer...who's shoulders are still recovering from the exertion, 24 hours later. Still, no harm done , and we reset the mechant sail almost immediately the tangle was recovered...

Superb service from the marinero here in Viana on arrival

He proposed a position, rafted up alongside a 48 foot Halberg Rassy, and was there to take our lines....even remembered us from our visit 4 years ago. We learned this morning that by extraordinary coincidence, some very good friends are considering visiting the very same HR with a potential view to purchase. She is quite a ship, and Persephone is diminutive alongside...

The summer is getting under way here. 29 degrees in the shade. We shall eat out tonight at one of the restaurants in the town. There is a huge choice, and all seem very good value.

On the water in the boat saga, we have none which should not be there, as far as we can tell.

Our position now is;
41 41.648N. 008 49.343W


N

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