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Date: 30 Aug 2007 21:09:36
Title: at Sines Thursday 30th August
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We enjoyed a lovely downwind sail from Figueiria da Foz to Nazare,with the genoa boomed out on the opposite side to the main, and covered the 31 miles in a pleasant 6 hour or so. Anchored off the beach, having first had to haul the chain up on deck by hand as a result of the (second) failure of the windlass control switch. Finally settled down for what proved to be a far from peaceful evening, as a disco on the beach started up at a boat vibrating level of sound. Earplugs issued all round at 2300, whereupon the local marine police arrived and told us we had to move as we were too close to the beach. Up anchor, and felt our way through various buoys and fishing floats to the far end of the beach. Still shaking from the disco, which continued until 5am.
Very slow start on Saturday morning. Watched as a local fishing boat came and laid his lobster pots all around us, before departing with a cheery wave. Finally we weighed anchor at 11.00 am, and were relieved to find we had not caught any lobster pots.Another day downwind sailing in light northerly wind to take us 22 miles to Peniche. Ashore for a farewell meal for Peter and Patricia, we happened upon a very friendly restaurant where the proprietor spoke excellent English. Lovely fish stew, and monkfish stew, and homemade chocolate mousse for certain members of the party.
After Peter and Patricia had stepped ashore to make their way to Lisbon for their return flight later that day, Sunday took the remaining crew another 40 miles south to Cascais. Light winds meant some motoring, we took over 8 hours and made some further use of the genneker just to keep ourselves amused. On arrival at Cascais, Dominic and Jenny decided to head in to Lisbon and find a hotel, so now we were 2 again.
Monday was a domestic day at Cascais,shopping and boat cleaning, in expectation of the arrival of Marjorie. Henry headed in to Lisbon airport to meet her, as the travel arrangements from the airport were not as expected. Martin unfolded the bickerton and had a roam around Cascais.Settled in Marjorie with a quiet supper onboard.
Tuesday had us on our way again, 30 miles south to anchor in a shallow bay at Arrabida near the entrance to Setubal. The trip around the Cabo Espichel approaching the anchorage was very spectacular with steep cliffs, which also loomed over the anchorage. Having spent the entire day in very light wind, as soon as we anchored it came on to blow, and continued at force 4/5 until about 2am.Fortunately offshore, but it put paid to any hopes of a swim. Some compensation from a brilliant full moon.
Up anchor at 7.30 am the next morning, half tide and as late as sensible given the very shallow approach. A lovely sunny day, after some initial patches of mist,and we made our way south in a light south westerly breeze to cover the 34 miles to Sines in 10 1/2 hours. In to an extremely tight berth in what proved to be an almost full marina. Ashore for fish.
Thursday spent shopping and exploring Sines, the birthplace of Vasco da Gama. A pretty old town, despite the neighbouring oil refinery, so non touristy and very friendly. Fresh fish from the market for supper on board. From here we head on to the anchorage of Arrifana just north of Cape St Vincent, and then on round the corner to the Algarve. 
 
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