38:41.59N 09:24.90W  Wednesday - we leave Lisbon just before 7pm and enjoy a fast, current-led close reach out of the estuary in the evening warmth and sunshine.  The plan is an overnighter to Nazare, some 80NM.  By 11pm we’re motor sailing with a reefed mainsail to combat the waves and increased wind around the headland of Cabo Roca but it’s still a beautiful moon-lit evening and all is well – until we snag a fishing pot.  We’ve clearly got a rope round our propeller but manage to boat-hook the flag marker and cut the rope.  We assume we’ll then be able to sail back to Lisbon even if we’re dragging the pot but it becomes apparent we’re now anchored to the sea bed, unable to sail or motor.  We’re firmly stuck and, as the wind and waves increase, we’re slamming on the stern, the boat starts rolling uncomfortably and water is soaking us in the cockpit.  We try to take the sail down but because the wind is coming over the stern it ends up wrapped around the spreaders and it takes both of us up on the coach roof to throw some sail ties around it and get it strapped down after a fashion.  Reluctantly we come to a decision and for the first and, I hope, only time in my life I call a PanPan on channel 16.  The response is impressive and I’m quickly passed from port control to Search and Rescue.  They put us in touch with a rescue company and we accept the charges for a tow.  The rescue boat makes radio contact to advise they’ve left harbour and, after an uncomfortable wait, we can see her lights as she makes her way out to us.  Although the sea is bouncy it all goes very smoothly and by 2am we’re being towed into Cascais marina.  The marina staff have been alerted and there’s a rib waiting in the water to nudge Mira towards the reception pontoon where other people are ready to take our lines – it’s all very slick and professional and immensely comforting.  After a quick wash we fall into bed just before 3am, only to find we can’t sleep – all in all not the best of nights!