Porto Santo
Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Wed 15 Sep 2010 17:14
33:03.75N
16:18.95W
Wednesday 15th
September 2010
We made excellent
progress for the first three days of the trip, then the wind dropped on the last
day and we made much slower progress, but this didn't matter because we didn't
really want to arrive in the dark anyway and the slower speed meant we would
arrive next morning in daylight. About twenty miles from Porto
Santo the wind died away and we put the engine on to round the smaller island on
its south east corner and make our way into the bay and Porto Santo
Marina.
First sighting
of Porto Santo in the early morning
light.
Rounding the small islet on the south east corner of Porto
Santo
Serafina
had continued to sail, albeit at 1.8 knots, to allow us to arrive first for
a change! They said that we always got the better berth when we
arrived after them, so they thought they'd give being second to
arrive a try - and it seemed to work - they have their own finger pontoon
among the other cruising yachts and we are alongside on a hammerhead with a lot
of smaller fishing motor boats!
Scott-Free (middle of
picture)
Looking down on Marina, Scott-Free bottom left
yacht.
No matter, the marina is sheltered, the staff very
helpful and everyone is friendly. It was unusual to be alongside
again, but not unwelcome as it means no climbing over the
bow!
Yesterday we walked
into town along the beach- about half an hour. The marina is at the end of
a bay with a long sandy beach, where the Madeirans apparently come to holiday,
and where holidaymakers on Madeira come for a day trip. It's about 30
miles from Madeira. We wandered around the small town which is very
well-kept and smart, and did some shopping in the long-missed Pingo
Doce.
The bay from
above the marina. The jetty is in centre of
town.
Enjoying the views.
Today we have been
on the tourist coach on a trip around the island. This was very good value
at 6.50 euros. The coach didn't have air-conditioning - it didn't need it
as only the first three rows of seats had a roof! We enjoyed some lovely
views from the high spots of the island before returning to the marina for ice
creams.
Tomorrow sees the
beginning of three days of Columbus celebrations and we plan to go into town to
see 'him' arrive and to join in with the fun.
On Friday we depart
for a few days in Madeira.