Spellbinder's Web Diary - Friday 19th to Friday 26th April

Friday 19th to Friday 26th April

Spellbinder

Fri 26 Apr 2013 17:00

After a relaxing Thursday in Sines. we decided to take advantage of a favourable weather window and make an overnight passage straight past Lisbon, and on to Peniche or Nazare depending on the conditions. Friday morning saw us in the cafe in Sines, pm siesta and then early dinner before slipping at 7pm to get clear of land, and fishing floats, before sun set at about 8.30. With the wind still quite fresh in the north it was motor sailing for the first few hours in order to hold our course, but by 2.30 in the morning the wind had veered suficiently into the east for the engine to be turned off,and we sped past Lisbon at 6 knots or more, with one reef in the main. By 4 am we were off Cabo Raso, close to Cascais, with the wind up to force 5 ENE, time to put in a second reef. A little more motoring in a sudden wind drop off the next cape, Cabo de Roca, but then we were off again, and by 1030 we had reached Peniche, 40 miles north of Cascais. We decided to duck in and anchor under the lee of the peninsula, as the wind had been touching force 6 and the sea was beginning to build. Anchored at 1030, nice time for coffee, and we were just enjoying lunch when we were accosted by the customs launch, who wanted to see our papers. No problems. By now the wind had eased, so we decided to bag another 25 miles, and sailed on north to Nazare, securing in the marina at 1750. 138 miles on the log in less than 24 hours. Early meal onboard, and early bed.

Sunday morning was a slow start, with a plan for Sunday lunch ashore, but over breakfast we decided the conditions were tempting enough to bag the next 35 miles up to Figueira da Foz, so just after 10 we were away in a force 3 north westerly breeze, and by 1650 we were entering the marina on the river Mondego, the longest river to rise in Portugal, and the site of Wellington's landing in 1808. Smart new facilities at the marina.

Monday was a maintenance day. The deck light had failed, and also the steaming light, both half way up the mast. Henry and George set about sorting that out, while Martin attended to laundry and shopping. Lunch onboard, and then an afternoon taking down the lining from the port side of the main cabin to check for leaks, none found but the bolts tightened on the genoa sheet track. Both boat and crew showing some signs of age, but not many! Wandered into town to a Goan restaurant for supper.

An early start on Tuesday at 7am, for the next 65 miles to Leixoes, just north of the river Douro. Initally a light easterly breeze required the engine on to maintain sufficient speed to reach Leixoes in daylight, but by 1045 we had a force 4 easterly, and the engine was off. Despite forecasts of a constant tidal strean against us, we also were enjoying a favourable stream of half a knot, so progress was excellent. The wind gradually came round to the north west, and we beat up the coast, passing quite close across the entrance to the river Douro before bending around to Leixoes. In to anchor at 1830, a satisfyingly swift passage. Supper onboard, and a quiet night at anchor.

Wednesday morning was a slow start, as we planned to head in up the river Douro late morning, to a new marina on the outskirts of Oporto. Once again we were tempted by the weather, and so decided to step on north to the next planned stop of Viana do Castelo, the last port in Portugal, So up anchor at 0830, and breakfast once we were underway, with 32 miles to cover. fairly calm conditions, so it was down to the engine. Progress was so good that en route we switched destination to Baiona, another 34 miles north of Viana. In to anchor at Baiona at 1940, with an hours daylight to spare. Supper onboard.

Thursday April 25th. An auspicious day. Moved in to the marina after a leasurely breakfast, and eventually settled in to a well sheltered berth, in expectation of a day or two of strong northerly winds. Henry and George then very generously took Martin out for an excellent lunch at a nearby resatuarant, in celebration of his birthday. After walking off the effects with a circuit round the very scenic headland, back onboard for tea, cake and candles, and a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday. Sorted out travel plans for George to catch his flight out of Porto the next day, eventually settling on bus to Vigo, and then a direct bus from Vigo to Porto airport. In view of the required early start, an early night ensued.