Sunday 29 July at Aviles
Spellbinder
Sun 29 Jul 2007 15:43
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Monday brought another forecast of strong contrary
wind, so decided on another day in Gijon. Morning visit to the market, otherwise
a day of bits and bobs.
Roger Sutcliffe set off for home on Tuesday
morning, driving back to Santander to catch a plane.The four remaining set off
under engine towards the west. After a couple of hours there was sufficient wind
to sail, and we continued along the coast to Cudillero.A rather exciting
entrance in a moderate onshore swell, with the harbour only appearing at
the last moment. We heard later that a Dutch yacht which had made the same trip
as us that day took one look at the entrance and then turned round and went the
29 miles back to Gijon.Inside was a lovely sheltered fishing harbour, and we
enjoyed an evening promenade, and a good fish meal ashore.
Wednesday morning the wind was a light north
westerly breeze, so under engine again. After a couple of hours ominous noises
and vibrations told us something was caught around the propellor. Going ahead
and astern a few times seemed to sort the problem in ahead, but still not right
going astern.Very happy to have enough wind about an hour later to be able to
sail.In to the Ria de Ribadeo, and to anchor off the commercial wharfs. Keith
heroically dived under the boat to find a bundle of rope caught up in the
propellor, which he managed to cut free. Much relief all round. In to Ribadeo
marina, and ashore for celebratory drinks, before consuming a very fine
sausage stew produced by Keith and Sheila.
Set off again on Thursday morning in a light
westerly breeze, and after a couple of hours had to resort to motoring, with
sharp lookout for floating bits of rope and fishing gear, which seems to be a
hazard all along the north coast. The wind then proceeded to blow up
significantly, but on the nose, so we motor sailed until we could alter course
into the Ria de Viveiro.Anchored off a sheltered cove in the Ria for a
swim, and then into the marina. Ashore for a wander around the very pretty
walled old town, and a final meal ashore with Keith and Sheila.
Friday morning we saw Keith and Sheila off on the
train back to Gijon, and then pottered a bit in the town before sailing after
lunch to make the 10 miles across to a bay to anchor for the night. After a
couple of miles in a gentle breeze, all of a sudden we had winds gusting up to
30 knots. Hurriedly reefed down, and had a rumbustious sail in to the anchorage.
Thankfully it was well sheltered, and we had a peaceful night.
Continued to the west again on Satuday morning,
motor sailing in to a light north westerly breeze. Massive impressive
cliffs, with mist over the tops, the Galician coastal scenery is awesome. Once
round Cape Ortega the course became more southerly, so we could sail on into the
Ria de Cedeira. Anchored in the bay off the town, a wonderful sheltered and
scenic spot. Ashore in the evening for a walk around the pretty old town and
some excellent tapas.
Sunday gave us a very favourable north east wind,
and an easy and swift sail southwest down the coast past Cape Prior and the
entrance to El Ferrol, before we turned into the Ria de Ares and anchored off
the town of Ares.
Tomorrow we just have 10 miles to Corunna, where we
will spend a couple of days while we wait for Eric Thompson to join us on
Wednesday.
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