at Sines Thursday 30th August
Spellbinder
Thu 30 Aug 2007 20:09
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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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