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
