42:36.263N 08:56.046W          945 Miles from Ramsgate by log

Muros to Caraminal,  or high winds and fish hooks 

We spent a very relaxed couple of nights in Muros which is a great port of call if you happen to pass this way. We explored the town in the mornings and caught up with some maintenance in the afternoons. I finally managed to track down a new battery for the generator and at only 90 Euros from a hardware/sell everything store in town that was recommended by Pedro the Capitinaire a real bargain. We also had a bit of stitching to do where ropes had chafed the sails and covers, and so we set forth with the sail repair kit. Norma managed a first rate patch on the stay sail sacrificial strip, while I bodged a mend on the mainsail covers 1^st reef point. Point to note, spray on carpet adhesive from Wickes holds every thing in place brilliantly while you stitch it all together.                                         

 The headless Sail Maker                                   A woman’s work is never done                                   Food out and new battery in

            The weather looked good, force 3-4 from the North, so we slipped our moorings and headed for the next Ria South. As we left the harbour we had a nice steady 15 Knots and so up went all of the sails and off with the engine. 30 minutes later we were steadily overhauling a similar ketch that was 2 miles or so ahead of us. 30 minutes later and Spectra was showing 9.3 Knots through the water. A quick flick onto true wind showed we now had 30 Knots plus from astern. Time to reduce sail me thinks. Norma steered down wind and I put three reefs in the fore sail, then up to windward and I dropped a single reef in the main. Back on course 8 Knots all comfortable and still catching the ketch. We passed the ketch with a friendly wave about an hour later, I had debated calling for water at the mark (Cape St Vincent) but as it was over 200 miles away I guess that would have been slightly unnecessary. (See pics for evidence of Spectra’s racing credentials)

I sneak up from behind,                                  We trim for victory and call the overlap      Past and away, see you at the prize giving supper.

            30 minutes later the wind died to nothing so engine on and motor sailing for a couple of hours while dodging the fishing boats which were changing direction randomly as we approached, as fishing boats tend to do. But they all gave us a friendly wave as we sailed or motored past depending on what the wind was doing at that moment.

 Watch him he will be going the other way in 5 minutes time

            About 2pm we were sailing again in 20 Knots of wind and about to begin our entry into Ria de Arosa which has a large National park and fishery protection area across its entrance. Due to this, and not knowing the local rules I thought it best to pull in the fishing gear before we entered. Not that we have ever actually caught a fish you understand.

The next bit is a bit icky so if you are squeamish stop here!

            As I reeled in the fishing line it seemed to momentarily catch on something the rod bent and then pinged upright. I sensed rather than saw something approaching and instinctively put my hand up in front of my face. I felt a thump and I had a fishing lure hanging from my hand. The barbed treble hook had buried itself in my finger. “ooh I exclaimed, that smarts a bit, Norma could you help me”? Norma sprang into first aid mode and with a set of wire cutters managed to cut the hook from the lure which left me free to sit down at least. We then assessed the situation, the hook had buried itself straight in so pushing it out the other side was not an option. We needed to tack soon and so it had to come out. I asked Norma to get me a razor blade from the sail repair kit and tried to cut down to the hook. Lots of blood and definitely bad aiming on my part (I was using my left hand) because I couldn’t find the little blighter. That left us with just the one option. Norma pushed the head of the hook flat down against my finger and lined it up with the way it went in and I reached for the pliers. One, two, three, PULL, “ooh! I exclaimed again, that also smarted a bit”!!!! But it was out J Norma then did the necessary re Savlon and finger bandages etc and we tacked Spectra round, this time though, I did the wheel and Norma pulled the sheets. (see Pics)

  Yes that hurts just about as much as it looks like it should                                                Paul needs a cuddle

Extract from the ships log compiled by Norma:

2PM Paul fish hook in finger

3PM Paul feeling better after a cup of tea

Narrative Log: 2PM First aid administered to Paul after removal of hook, slap of Savlon, finger dressing cuddle and kiss. Followed by a telling off for not taking more care (anything to get out of washing up).

Icky bit over.

Again within 10 minutes of us tacking the wind died to nothing and so it was a motor for the 8 miles up the Ria to Port Caraminal past numerous mussel barges and rocky islets. One high point was that as we were putting the sails to bed I looked back and a pod of 20+ dolphins crossed our stern lazily drifting along. We tried to take some pictures with variable results see below.

 If you look closely there are Dolphins I promise

            We are now Safely tucked up in Caraminal for the night. As an aside, we were given a marina passport by Pedro at Muros that entitles us to 15% off from 9 marinas in the area, Caraminal being one of these. The fee for the night was 14 Euros including WiFi and electric for a 14-16 meter yacht, not bad at all. (Ramsgate Marina take note)