Cascais to Sines
Minka of Southampton - Cruising Log
Edmund Wigan
Thu 29 Apr 2010 08:19
|
The weather was again very hot and I was glad of
the wind at sea. We sailed most of the way but eventully the wind died. I used
the MPG (Multi Purpose Genoa) for the first time since leaving England. This is
a very large foresail which replaces the genoa and is helpful making to windward
in light winds. It is made of very light material so fills very
easily.
The radio was very busy with a Portugese Frigate
called, I think, the Vasco da Gama. This was firing live rounds in an area
within 1nm of my route. I could clearly hear the explosions and they must be
pretty good shots as I didn't see any splashes like in the war films - slightly
disappointed. This is the birthplace of Vaco da Gama but before I show a little
about Sines (Sinnies) you haven't had one of these for a while
 Yes, it's a headland called Cabo Espechal which was
directly on my route from Cascais. For once the map should not show me going
over the land as I crossed two bays with the Cabo in the middle. You can see how
flat the sea was.
Sines is another lovely place with a lot of
history. The marina people are very helpful and it cost 14.15 euro but no bottle
of wine.
 There is a French catermaran here which is being
delivered to Turkey. They helped me moor up and then we all went out for a meal
together. My failed O Level French was quite useful as one spoke only as much
English as I do French. The Skipper is professional but the other three get a
free ride for crewing but have to pay for their own food and travel back. This
seems a cheap way of sailing but you end up doing some very long legs. Their
next stop is Gibraltar (260nm) but the wind direction is against them so we have
been looking at forecasts. No WIFI here unfortunately which isn't
helpful.
Before they came along I had opened my free bottle
of wine from Cascais just in case it doesn't travel. You will be relieved to
know the first glass was ok. I am now going shopping and to explore a little. If
I have got it right this time Portimao is about 80nm from here. If there is
nothing in the town to distract me I will leave this afternoon as there is a
favourable wind.
|