Date: 2/11/07

Location: Cascais

Lat/Lon: 38:41.65N 009:24.75W

DOUGLAS:

We set off from Nazare and had a good fast sail to the Ilha da Berlenga where we jibed for Cascais. Following the jibe the wind went light but left a 2 metre following sea. We motored the last 30 miles and entered Cascais in the dark. This is the biggest and best marina I have ever been into. To give some scale as to it’s size, within the compound are two banks, dozens of shops, three chandleries, numerous bars, ice cream parlours cafes etc. etc. A real billionaires paradise with the yachts to match

The town is beautiful and only a short train journey from Lisbon. The Raymarine plotter had gone down again on leaving Nazare so I had the whole Raymarine installation checked over by an expert. He couldn’t believe how bad the installation by John Wayne had been and offered to sort it all out. I’m happy to say that after a day spent re-routing the wiring, removing a non-compatible switch and properly marinising and waterproofing the system it is now working.

During our week in Cascais we had a day in Lisbon which was fantastic. We visited the cathedral, the castle and rumbled around the streets on an ancient tram which proceeded to smash into a car that was unwise enough to be on the tracks at the time. Lots of animated shouting and arm waving, great fun for the passengers.

Again we met up with our cruising friends Jack and Adrienne on board ‘Lambarena’ and Mark and Maureen aboard ’Options’ We had a night out with each couple and also met up with our American friends, Paul and Sonya aboard ’Event Horizon’.

On the Castle wall in Lisbon.

In a small square, half-way to the castle.