Yesterday
RAVEN - Atlantic Circuit 2021-22
Richard Foulkes
Tue 31 Aug 2021 09:44
We left Povoa de Varzim at 7am after quiet night in small marina, accompanied by large flock of seagulls on the pontoon. Fortunately they stayed there rather than messing our decks! During the short trip down the coast, Jon caught the magnificent sea bass, just reward for a week of angling effort! We entered the Douro River at 9-30, with the entrance full of guys fishing in speed boats, some of them returning our friendly waves and others hurling abuse at our attempts to find a way up the channel. We berthed at the Douro marina on the south side and then got an Uber across the river into Porto. After some navigation issues trying to find the right bus we did a city open top bus tour which worked up a thirst and appetite. Lunch was followed by a very interesting tour of the Sandeman port cellars with the obligatory tastings.
Amazingly we were in a fit state to head out for an evening sail down the coast, but only after a trip to the world’s largest hyper market for a few supplies and some shopping rage.
As often seems to be the case in recent days, the wind strengthened a bit early evening and we had a good run with Betty for a couple of hours before the wind dropped at sunset. Jon then switched to chef mode and cooked up the tasty fish with spuds and veggies from that world’s biggest shop.
We entered the Aveiro estuary at 2300. The pilot book gave lots of dire warnings about the entrance which can be hazardous in heavy seas but was very benign last night. After a bit of shoal dodging anchored a few miles up the estuary in the very still Baia de Sao Jacinto after a busy day.
