41:41.610N 008:49.345W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Sat 25 Aug 2012 20:02
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"Viana do Castelo" - Saturday 25th
August
We said good-bye to Bayona and Spain this morning
at 10am and have arrived at Viana do Castelo our first port of call in Portugal.
There was a fleet of some 5 yachts in front of us all motoring and heading south
on this Sunny windless day. The wind finally picked up at about 3 m and we were
at last able to sail, the peace was blissful and the wind a gentle 10-12 knots
pushing us gently south. The harbour entrance of our destination has a half mile
long breakwater to protect it from the Atlantic rollers, the water is shallow
within but dredged in the middle, the shore side has a long white sandy beach.
As we approached we could see several kite surfing kites peeking out above the
breakwater, when we rounded the end of the breakwater to turn northwards up the
river, we were astounded to count at least 29 kite surfers and hundreds of wind
surfers. It was not easy navigating up the narrow passage with these
messerschimitts hurtling themselves towards us. As I hung the fenders overboard
in preparation for berthing in the marina, I wondered if they might act as
cushions for there crazy enthusiasts should they make an error in their judgment
in trying to avoid us. As we motored on further behind the shelter of the
breakwater and in effect being head to wind and expecting to become more
sheltered, it was time to lower the mainsail. Now we were to discover why this
area is apparently so popular for water sport activities. Yachties always
complain that when it comes to difficult manoeuvres the wind inevitably gets up.
Today was no exception, suddenly we found ourselves with 20 knots of wind
cascading down on us from the headland in front of us. Whisper under engine with
the tide flooding under her long keel did not want to stay head to wind, as I
had already released the main halyard the suit refilled and made lowering it
extremely difficult. Noel kept on deck to help and soon all was under control
again. As the marina is behind a wall with a swinging footbridge allowing access
for boat there is a 'waiting' pontoon outside it.As we crept closer, we could
see seven yachts waiting on the crowded pontoon, so we were prepared to raft
alongside then and wait our turn, a couple of larger yachts had passed us
earlier and were in the 'queue'.A dinghy appeared and approached us, the helm
calling out asking our draft, when we replied we were told to follow him, so we
did and were quickly helped to moor up alongside a large substantial 44 ft
yacht. The moral of the story is that during our trip so for, we have met many
yachts all very much larger than Whisper who looks so small by compassion and
because of our size we are not so fast, so are often overtaken and one of the
last to arrive. However, on this occasion being small was a boon, although last
to arrive, we secured a berth immediately and because she is not actually in an
official berth we were given a reduced rate for the night. We love
her!
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