Wednesday 15th June 2005 - Peniche to Cascais

Posted at 1:07 PM, Friday, June 17, 2005

Swagman Log – Wednesday 15^th June 2005

Rally Portugal Leg 4 – Peniche to Cascais

Peniche is a nice town - not the best marina as it is in a working harbour so subject to wash from fishing vessels on the move at ungodly hours - but it is REAL Portugal and lovely.

Replaced our first container of camping gaz yesterday.  If you are looking for a supplier in Peniche you'll find a hardware store not far down a road that parallels the main drag out of the marina.  Sort of up towards the castle and the first small street on your right.........

Again flukey light winds in the morning led to Rally Control dismissing any formal start for this leg, advising us to depart when we wished and simply motor or sail to Cascais.

We chose to motor most of the route with the bimini up to protect us from the sun.  Glassy seas, pot dodging all the way. 

Only picked up reasonable winds from the west once approaching the headlands west of Cascais so sailed close to the cliffs and imposing lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, and ran off before strengthening breezes eastward, past Cabo Rasa and into Cascais.

Sarah steered this section of the leg and considering she is relatively new to sailing, handled the boat well at 8 / 9 knots just under white sails.

We arrived in company with Kalula and both took advantage of the early run to take on fuel, before parking up in the Marina.

A nice run ashore to eat out in the town square – pizza may not have originated in Portugal but we found the ones we ordered that night just perfect.  Cascais is a trendy resort – very ‘Nice’ like – and more expensive than previous places on the rally.

We have a sailmaker from Lagos arriving tomorrow to measure up for a genoa.  The deal will be he has to finish it for our arrival in Lagos in 7 days time – a tall order - but one he seems keen to meet.  Let’s hope the sail is a good – the price is certainly seems a bargain!

We’ve three nights here before moving on for Sines.  Gerry and Sarahs departure on Saturday for the airport is generating some glum faces – we’ll miss their good company.

Still – it’s sunny and hot – and we’ve the equivalent of a long weekend to still spend with them.  A day trip upcountry to Sintra tomorrow followed by a reception and meal at the local sailing club after will add to the fun.

I actually feel we are closer now to the med, and look forward to rounding Gibraltar and be able to turn north for our final destination in the Balaerics.

In the meantime – I need a cold beer.

Cheers

JOHN