Figueira Da Foz - Peniche

Pyxis
Karen & Richard
Thu 27 Sep 2007 22:03

Thursday 27th September – Figueira Da Foz - Peniche

39:21.148N 8:22.620W

 

Today the three yachts set off for Peniche.  The wind had abated and so we all motor sailed to make the distance.  However, although reducing, the swell was still high and probably some of the largest we have had to sail in – the good news was that it was the long Atlantic swell and not the short, choppy Biscay swell, nevertheless it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride at times.

 

We all arrived safely late afternoon.

 

To say the visitors’ berthing at Peniche is small is to be generous in the extreme.  Despite being out of season, the pontoon was already full with the small number of visiting yachts here.  In addition, the marina facilities get a huge thumbs down – they are perfect for a single visiting yacht, you even get your own key to the doors, one male and one female (single loo and shower combos) – any more than one person of each sex on the visitors’ pontoon and you’re stuffed.

 

In addition to all this, the harbour is a major fishing port and the fishing boats are reputed to go in and out all night at speed creating a large swell and it has also been reported that a yacht lost its mast a few years back colliding with the one it was rafted to due to this swell.

 

Sadly this is probably the worst marina we’ve been to (and we’ve been to a lot since we’ve had Pyxis).  If the next marina had been any nearer we would have all turned round and carried on.

 

On the plus side, the fellow inmates were accommodating of the three new arrivals and a very nice French guy moved to a slightly smaller space with his smaller yacht so that we could fit the other two larger yachts in, rafted.  We are berthed beside a mega-sturdy, old wooden boat.

 

Also, GNR - Brigada Fiscal, Policia Maritima and marina officials were all very friendly and efficient.

 

We walked around the town this evening and it looks really lovely, with lots of old buildings and lots of lovely restaurants with fabulous fresh fish displayed in the window.

 

It’s a shame the marina is such a shocker – a couple of extra pontoons, a wave screen and some extended facilities would really help put it on the map.  My advice if you are down this way – avoid the marina until they do something about it.