Rías Baixas, Costa da Morte and North East across Biscay
Alaistair (Foxy) Fox and Chris Bain flew out to join October Spirit and Guy and Mary as they finished their meet with the RCC at Baiona. On Wednesday 3rd July, after dressing in overalls all the yachts looked the part and in the evening there was a splendid finale party at the Monte-Real Club de Yates. Having completey re-fuelled with mostly red, white and sangria we were ready to set off on the 400 mile trek back to Brittany.
Baiona to Portosin
Departed Baiona at 09:45 in flat calm conditions. Put into Portosin to mouse the topping lift and sample our final fresh Galician food.
Baiona to Portosin
Foxy going to get essential fuel ... wine?
A fine, warm evening on Wednesday was the perfect opportunity to stock up on food and drink at the RCC (Royal Cruising Club) end of meet dinner. Not before attempting to replace the topping lift with a new one spliced to a large carabina. Unfortunately the lines parted and so it was up the mast with a mouse. As the top was double reeved it proved impossible to thread the curtain weights.
Exchanging club flags.
Richard with the Vice-Commodore
We set out early on Thursday morning (09:45) to make passage North up the Rías Baixas. There was no wind and the water was flat so we had a pleasant motor past the beautiful islands and Rías to Portosin where we had to retreive Guy's camera.
El Capitan Fox
Alongside at Portosin
Safely moored to the waiting pontoon we had a second attempt at mousing the topping lift. Hurrah! Buoyed with this success we went into town and had a fantastic meal at "Tella et Rosalia" served by the delightful Pamella from Peru. Delicious anchovies with cheese, octopus and squid ink croquettes and prawns on toast were washed down by an excellent Albariño. Sole, Dory and a couple of plates of scallops were assited by a rather good Ribera del Duero. We finished with some creme biscuits and coffee. Fabulous last Galician meal prepared us for an early departure to start the Biscay crossing.
Nice Albariño
Nice Ribera del Duero
Portosin to Belle Ile
Departed 06:30 no wind, calm sea, some fog, some sun, lots of engine but some lovely sailing too. Sea creatures helped pass the time.
Stats:
67hr 50min | Av 6.1kts | Max 13.4kts
TOTAL: 456.5 NM
Portosin to Houat
Sunset approaching Spain - Tuesday evening
Margaret really enjoyed the first hour when Belle Ile was still visible
It was very important not to spill the Whiskey, but in these conditions it wasn't an easy task.
As the sun went down on Tues eve we were approching Spain and got the best welcome possible!
Belle Ile to Houat
Departed 12:35 no wind, no sail but lovely sunshine.
Stats:
1hr 25min | Av 5.1kts | Max 7.6kts
TOTAL: 463.8NM
Belle Ile to Houat
Sunset approaching Spain - Tuesday evening
Margaret really enjoyed the first hour when Belle Ile was still visible
It was very important not to spill the Whiskey, but in these conditions it wasn't an easy task.
As the sun went down on Tues eve we were approching Spain and got the best welcome possible!
Houat to Arzal
Sunset approaching Spain - Tuesday evening
Margaret really enjoyed the first hour when Belle Ile was still visible
It was very important not to spill the Whiskey, but in these conditions it wasn't an easy task.
As the sun went down on Tues eve we were approching Spain and got the best welcome possible!
Arzal to La Roche Bernard
Photo of OS on pontoon at Arzal at 07:47 - set off for the lock but ... fire aboard!
Stats:
0hr 7min | Av 0.5kts | Max 0.5kts
TOTAL: 490.6NM
Arzal to La Roche Bernard
Sunset approaching Spain - Tuesday evening
Margaret really enjoyed the first hour when Belle Ile was still visible
It was very important not to spill the Whiskey, but in these conditions it wasn't an easy task.
As the sun went down on Tues eve we were approching Spain and got the best welcome possible!