Wednesday, 15th August.

 

We arrived in the marina at Leixoes (just north of Porto) on Tuesday evening at 6pm.

 

What a journey!  The wind did increase from the south (F6/7), along with the swell.  It rained most of the time, and as we approached Leixoes visibility dropped just as we amongst the tankers anchored off the harbour.  To make matters worst we picked up a line around the prop which for a long time we couldn’t shake off.  (Eventually it did clear, and I dived down later to check the prop – all OK.)

 

We came into the marina and moored (with some difficulty – wind and swell) on the reception pontoon.  The harbour and marina are very open to swell from the south.  The pontoons, especially the reception pontoon, and boats were bouncing quite wildly, and it was still raining!  Just like another miserable day in Fleetwood.

 

Karen joined us and we had a meal at a deserted beach-side restaurant.

 

During the night, the wind increased (as predicted); the swell coming into the marina increased, and the heavens absolutely opened – never seen so much rain!  In the course of it all Finnrose broke 3 mooring lines (not all at the same time), and we ended up securing her with chain to the pontoon piles.

 

A pretty eventful 24 hours.

 

But with the new day came the sunshine, clear skies, warm temperatures, calm airs and a gradual reduction in the swell.  No serious harm to boat or crew and the horrors are behind us.

 

We can relax now here for a week or longer, and begin to enjoy the weather and explore this region of Portugal.