can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Webster - Log 5: Bayona to Povoa de Varzim 11 June



55 miles this leg. Ha! The day dawned grey and bleak with a forecast S/SW 10-15 kts. It was light to start so put up full main. Decent start second over the line and soon overtaken by Clive in his Bavaria 36 under engine. We followed him out of the bay and he hit the wind line off the headland first and bang, two major broaches - it actually is quite windy out there! This was the first time Kate and I had sailed the boat short handed so had to reef PDQ. Once out of the bay it was a dead beat to windward in 28knts apparent with rain - not what we had ordered. In no time Kate was seasick and that was it for the rest of the day unfortunately but not a word of complaint, other than the lack of sun. Sighted a couple of dolphins but Kate missed them as not a good view with one's head in a bucket. Wind started dropping in mid afternoon and thought I would tweak the rig a bit but only succeeded in snapping the second reefing line - a nightmare to fix being single line. Oh well, have a boat, have a problem! The fog later on and the lobster pots all over the place were a bit unnecessary but the time limit of 2100 loomed and at 1720 with only half way as the crow flies achieved on went the engine. 4 hours later in the increasing dark we arrived at Povoa with the fog siren blaring from the breakwater. Kate"s proviso for coming on the trip was to be able to see land and not be out at night but with the fog and the time on the water I managed to let her down in both respects! I reckon we did at least 80 nm - there was at times about a 2 knot contrary tide as well so really effected speed over ground.

A long day but we are here wind burnt and tired. I don't drink brandy as a rule but a friendly offer from David on Infinite Dream went down a treat, even Kate had one ( another first......)

Charlie (Webster )


Previous | Next