Fw: Sines to Lagos

Sealion
Richard Martin
Wed 25 Jun 2008 12:50
 
An early 7.00am start for the 75 mile trip from Sines to Lagos started with no wind as is typical down the Portuguese coast. By 10.30am the wind filled in from the west and up went the cruising chute and off we went at 6 to 7knots.
 
As the day went on the wind (again as typical for this coast line) swung to the north so we dropped the cruising chute and went to put up the kite - immediately on launching the snap shackle on the clew came off and the spinnaker soon wrapped itself around the forestay. After a little work on the guy we got it free, flying like a flag. After some effort from the fordeck crew we got it down and decided that a rest and lunch was in order before having another go.
 
With Cape St Vincent rapidly approaching and the likely hood of stronger winds and a gybe into the Algarve we decided to leave the Kite down.
 
Just as well - as we hit the Cape the wind picked up (and up) to a steady 30 knots, gusting 36 knots at times. We went like a train and had a great sail from the Cape arriving in Lagos about 6.00pm
 
Pictures are from the Rally crew on the cliffs and another boat we were sailing with.

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