Ensenada de Mera, A  Coruna,    N 43 23.0,  W 008 20.5

The Scathach Team arrived in Coruna on Friday afternoon (about three and half days from Plymouth).  We anchored in an exquisitely beautiful and totally tranquil bay called Ensenada de Mera on the east side of the inlet opposite the city of A Coruna and very sheltered from the fresh NEly we arrived in.

Phil and I were sufficiently motivated by the blue sky and golden sand inshore to swim on Saturday morning before moving to the Marina Real operated by the Real Club Nautico Coruna which we have not found time to visit (as of Sunday midday).

The passage down can only be described as ‘boisterous verging on lively’ as we set out into 30 knot of north easterly in the Channel and carried this all the way to a WP outside the Off Ushant TSS.  We took the main sail down completely on the first night overnight.   None of us were feeling very well for the first 36 hours – not ill but not completely happy either.   Even so, we ate the meals we had pre-prepared and kept a routine of two people on and one off, that is six hours on and three off for the first couple of days until the weather and routine settled down enough for single handed watches which gave us a bit more sleep off watch (three on and six off at night).  We were glad of a good night’s sleep on Friday night at anchor and have been recharging our batteries over the weekend.

We have been trying to clear in through immigration here to get our passports stamped but the police department dealing with this has been closed over the weekend.  This is the first job for Monday morning and I’m not sure yet whether we will have to confess to arriving on Saturday morning or whether we will get two free Schengen days (ever since Brexit, Brits have been restricted to 90 days in any 180 in Schengen Europe).

So after Immigration and a bit of shopping on Monday morning we intend to head west towards or around Cabo Finisterre on Tuesday.

Phil here:  Tony has asked us if we wished to add anything, so here goes.  Tony’s penchant for the under statement is probably well known in sailing circles, but boisterous verging on lively was an interesting description.  Mine might involve several expletives and the word purgatory! Although I must say I was very impressed with the attitude and capabilities of both the crew and the boat throughout.  This boat is a beast! (in the nicest possible sense). The first night was as black as a cow’s guts, and sailing into a black hole at 10 knots, visibility zero, is not for the feint-hearted but a great cure for constipation! OK, I’m not used to it, but lively I think is an understatement designed not to put people off crossing Biscay. Tongue nearing cheek as I write this, because as always when one arrives in a place like this, it’s all worth it.  Sunshine, beer, good food and a chance to visit the Royal Club Nautico de la Coruna (RCNC) for lunch.  I’ll let Chris describe that.

Chris here:  What a relief it was to finally slip our lines at Mayflower on Tuesday morning, finally, we were off, although the overcast, dull & grey conditions were not perfect. The RN escorted us out of the Sound to give us a good send off.

As a relative novice compared to my two compatriots, I must admit that Phil’s description of Tuesday night seems to ring a more tune-ly bell in my head!

After the almost four days of non-stop sailing to Coruna, dropping anchor and making the boat safe, a cold beer allowed us all to finally admit to being totally cream-crackered, mental and physical aches and pains reminding us all that we’re not quite the age we’d all like to think.

On Sunday lunchtime we presented in our Sunday best at the RCNC to try our luck – guess who was deemed not acceptably attired? Having returned to the Club wearing long trousers (jeans) & deck shoes, I was shown to Phil & Tony’s table, situated out on the terrace. Comfortably shaded by a parasol, cold Estrella Galicia beers freshened our palate.  Menu choices deciphered with the assistance of a helpful bi-lingual club member, we admired the over-marina view and took in the general ambience of our surroundings.  Beautifully presented tables, an ornate and impressive bar, comfortable leather-bound seating areas all overlooked by various nautically themed photographs, paintings and pennants – it almost seamed more London club than Spanish sailing venue, splendid!

CL