INDULGENCE pushed off from POVOA DE VARZIM at midday on Sunday 7th Oct. A force 2 from the SE and a flat sea with blazing sunshine (low 20’s) made for perfect conditions for the new crews introduction and shakedown.
Departing POVOA DE VARZIM we found ourselves calling starboard and ALL RIGHTS as we cut through a fleet of yachts ghosting around outside the harbour mouth. The gloomy looking crews of the other boats didn’t seem too impressed with our demands….. nor were we, when, we subsequently realised it was a wreath laying ceremony J “Oh dear, what a pity, never mind”.
The wind angle allowed us to lay the entrance of LEIXOES in one tack. We trailed ‘The Jap’, our previously successful tuna-catcher, and ate egg’n’onion sandwiches over the otherwise uneventful three hour journey.
A marina staff member (in an aluminous jacket) guided us from the reception pontoon to a berth, informed us of the marina facilities and orientated us to the local shops and watering holes. We finished the evening on-board enjoying ‘Andys Frango’, created by Mrs Gissing, and a couple of bottles of expensive local vinho (€2@).
Monday the 8th was spent acting the tourist on the PORTO sightseeing bus (a must to appreciate the city) followed by a trip to the port and wine caves (a must to appreciate good port).
Our plan was to go to anchor this (Monday) evening with the intention of pushing off at 0400hrs to make the 35nm journey to AVEIRO. This would mean arriving, as suggested in the cruising guide, at the top of the tide to avoid the strong ebb from its delta. In the evening we launched the dinghy, tested the Mercury 3.3 and…. got frustrated. While our resident engine expert got to work trying to find and correct the ‘Mossad’s work ’ a fog crept in, so, we have decided to remain alongside for another night. “Oh dear, what a pity, never mind”.
John
OVER