For many in Rally Portugal, their first long passage.

Many have gleaned stories of this notorious stretch of the Atlantic Ocean from Patrick O'Brien's maritime novels set in the Napoleonic Wars, through World War II Naval histories to more recent yachting stories from books, magazines, friends and acquaintances.

In actual fact, the Bay of Biscay is like any stretch of open water when it starts to get windy. Conditions can change quickly and because of certain geographical nuances can become rather uncomfortable.

A chance to visit a city steeped in history

During the first Rally stopover in Bayona, participants will enjoy a visit to the hisortic city of Santiago de Compostela.  Santiago is a mellow stone city full of beautiful architecture, and is capital of the forested green region of Galicia.  It was originally a stopping point on a Roman road, but the discovery of the Apostle James’ tomb at the beginning of the 9th century gave rise to a place of Christian worship and pilrimage in this corner of the Iberian Peninsula, which was then dominated by the Moors.

Taylor Fladgate - one of Portugal's most famous Port Lodges

During the stopover in Povoa de Varzim, Rally Portugal participants can join a tour to the city of Porto, including a visit to the Taylor Fladgate port wine lodge.

Visiting Portugal's pretty capital city from Oeiras

Lisbon, 15km to the east of Oeiras, is an historic port and the capital city of this seafaring nation. Just ten miles from the mouth of the River Tagus, or Tejo in Portuguese, Lisbon is blessed with a perfect natural harbour. This inland sea has provided a safe haven for shipping since the Phoenicians named it Allis Ubbo (delightful port), over 2,000 years ago.