Spain 2019

Portosin

Posted by admin on June 30, 2019

In his last blog Hector described the idyllic tranquility of lying at anchor in the Ensenda de Merelxo on the southern side of the Ria de Camparinas.  It was difficult to drag ourselves away and it was already late in the day on Tuesday when we weighed anchor and set sail south for the famous (or infamous) Cape Finisterre.  The Cape is the north-western tip of Spain and marks entry into the Atlantic from Biscay, or vice versa.  It is a substantial headland entirely open to the great swells from the Atlantic and must be magnificent to observe (from land!) in a storm.

Our rounding of Finisterre was entirely benign in light breezes, sun shining and crew in good spirits looking forward to Hector's substantial and tasty daal for dinner.  But nevertheless, great capes remain important milestones. By last light we'd dropped anchor again in the tiny Ensenada de Sardineria where we found fellow RCC yachts Sea Rover and Wild Bird and were invited over for drinks. Thank you to Nick, Margie and Emily for your kind hospitality.

On Wednesday morning we set sail for Portosin - a small marina at the head of the Ria de Muros where the RCC had chosen to hold a BBQ to mark the next step of the Galicia Cruise. The reception from the Marina staff could not have been more welcoming; this was the single most important factor to decide that this was where we would leave the boat when Andy needs to return to UK for a couple of weeks next month. In the meantime, it provided good showers, large washing machines and a pleasant bar and good priced restaurant.  On Wednesday night we all went out for a meal before using the downtime on Thursday to complete a number of minor maintenance tasks and ending the day at the RCC BBQ. 

On Friday morning, just after 6AM we said farewell to Hector who began his long journey back to Edinburgh - in a taxi initially but with seven subsequent changes of transport en route.  He'll be coming back again soon but already the boat and we are missing his energy and joie de vie. He returns to Scotland an altogether more experienced sailor than when he set out - having (amongst other achievements) crossed the Bay of Biscay double handed and made his mark amongst the old sweats and younger cadet members of the Royal Cruising Club.

 

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