Bayona to Povoa de Varzim

Departed Bayona on a windless sunny morning to travel south, the 59 NM down to Povoa de Varzim. By early afternoon the wind was gusting up to 30 knots from the North, so we had to drop the Genoa, then motor into the wind to reef the Main. Not a raging success as the main rolled forward on the mandrill and into the mast. We will have to sort that out in harbour before the next leg.

We  are on the hammerhead pontoon in the marina, and had a fun time “parking” the boat  downwind. There was lots of help on hand and so despite the 25 knot winds, we moored up with little difficulty. Position is 41 degrees 22 mins North, 8 degrees 45 mins West.

Did not manage to take any pictures today, but we did have a pod of around 7 dolphins with us for over half an hour. They were great, with lots of acrobatics and much squeaking. Also saw some sun fish and HUNDREDS of markers for lobster pots or possibly salmon fishing nets. Quite tricky picking our way through them. I would certainly think twice about doing a night sail down this coast.

It was quite a testing day, so we shall be eating in tonight, with possibly a short visit to the marina bar for a night cap. Need to avoid the fun we had in Bayona, where the staff turned off the lights in the marina bar at 0300 to make us leave! Two nights running!!!

Taking a tour of the local area tomorrow morning, so will take the camera with us to catch a flavour of this part of Portugal.

Dinner is on the way now, so time to sign off.