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Blonde Moment - Blog 7 Baiona to Povoa de Varzim



Beautiful sunny day but very little wind at the start line, which every boat took under engine. However, having motored straight out for 30 minutes the skipper decided we would cut the engine and try sailing under Code Zero, but only after the crew had finished their coffee!
This was ok but only until we changed course when the wind angle no longer suited the huge sail so this was dropped and Paul and Roy rigged the blue water runner - only its second outing!
The blue water runner is a great downwind sail and allowed us to follow the rhumbline whereas the Code Zero meant we had to gybe in and out (takes longer). So we were making good speed in the right direction - an enjoyable 10 hour downwind sail.

The sailing club of Povoa hosted us for a lovely meal in their clubhouse so everyone could relax and compare notes after the sail.

Yesterday WC laid on a coach to take us to Porto. We were met by tuk tuks in monsoonal rain and saw very little of the city during the deluge. However, we had an interesting tour of Pocas Port House and tasted their white, ruby and tawny ports. The sun came out as the tour ended and we spent a very enjoyable pm wandering along the river Douro and soaking up the carnival atmosphere as the city prepared to celebrate St John's Day. A very colourful city with lots of history.

Today Roy treated us to lunch out in the main square of Povoa. We chose a restaurant full of locals and tried a local speciality of samphire soup, followed by salted cod with potatoes and salad - very tasty. Then Roy caught the train to Porto airport to fly home after crewing from Hamble to Povoa and his first crossing of Biscay. Thanks for your help, Roy!
Dee





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