Day 56 - Peniche

Silk Sheets
Ben Shute & Fiona Kennelly
Fri 19 Sep 2008 08:28

We untied from the massive motor yacht we moored up against Tuesday 16th September at 7:30AM and headed off to the fuel station, we then stuffed around for a while or should I say we got stuffed around before heading towards Peniche 39:21.10N 9:22.24W 

 

I had to get up in the middle of the night and check to see if our toilet had over flown because the smell in the boat was horrible, it turns out that someone in their wisdom decided to build a sewerage treatment plant right behind the marina so we could not wait to leave. We cruised over to the fuel bowser to get some diesel before having to return to the marina and pay for the night, something that really pissed me off because it meant that our free run had finished and to think it cost us 25 Euros to moor up next to a motor yacht which is not easy, sleep next to a sewerage treatment plant and then leave at 8AM is hardly worth it but we new it would happen sooner or later. Oh well we made 5 weeks with out having to fork out for berthing. I am just thankful it is not like the UK where you have to pay to drop your Anchor.

 

The weather information we received said we would have wonderful NW winds that meant we could fly down the coast headed South once again however we were not so lucky and once again had to motor. This drove us into Peniche, twenty odd miles out of our last port but it was well worth the visit. We anchored up in the far corner of the harbor away from the main hustle and bustle and just chilled out for a bit after being on the go for 6 consecutive days. An early day is sometimes a necessity to recharge a little. Before long our hidden little anchorage began to grow with other cruising yachts who had been turned away from the over crowded marina and started to drop their hooks. Next to us pulled up a beautiful Moody 54 cruiser with a lovely couple onboard, Denis and Sadie from Guernsey in the Channel Island’s and within minutes Fi and I had been invited on board for a drink. Our cupboards were pretty bare and we did not think it was appropriate to take a 15 liter cask of wine with us so we took a bag of lemon’s, as you do, that had been given to us from our mate in Corme.

 

It was fantastic to speak with a couple who have done what Fi and I have set out to do, only Denis and Sadie circumnavigated the world in 1987 I think in a 37 foot yacht the same size as Silky. Their stories of adventure were amazing, tales of beautiful islands and people kept both of us mezmorised as they described what it was all like. Fiona has now signed up for the final leg across the Pacific back home.

 

We then all jumped in their tender and zoomed across the harbor for a walk around town and some local grub. We all ate meat and lots of it. Another great night with great company.

 

Special comments by Fiona:. Anchoring in Peniche and just a short dinghy ride to town was great.  Don’t know if I’ve said this before but I much prefer anchoring than staying in an overpriced crowded mariner.  What made our visit to Peniche even better was that we met Dennis and Sadie.  We’d been at anchor in Peniche for about 2 hours when this beautiful yacht sailed passed us and dropped anchor close by.  We greeted them and to our surprise they responded by an enthusiastic greeting and an invitation for happy hour on their boat.  As Ben mentioned their stories of sailing around the world were amazing.  Sadie was 27 years old with two small children, aged 2 and 4 when they crossed the Atlantic and sailed the world.  Such a lovely and warm couple and I’m so glad we crossed paths because I’m now sold on sailing the Pacific (sorry mum!)  Actually right now I’d like to skip the Med, cross the Atlantic and sail the Caribbean and Pacific islands.  

 

Day 56

Destination – Peniche

Traveling Direction –South

Wind Direction – No wind Stupid

Swell – Slight (1mtr)

Average Speed – 4.4 Knots

Top Speed – 5.3 Knots Through the water

Total distance – 24.3 Nautical Miles

Travel Time – 5.48 Hours

Temperature – 30 degrees

Crew     - Fiona (Enjoying the company of our friendly neighbors)

Missing Work – Not Yet

Expenses – Diesel €80, Engine Oil €36.95, Provisions €8.25, Marina Fee €25, Dinner €27

 

Next Destination – Cascais

 

 

 

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