Swagman Log – Monday 20^th June 2005

Rally Portugal Leg 6 – Sines to Lagos.

We’ve had a great time in Sines – mainly due to the five boat party organised by Discovery Magic.  They, Andante, Jem, Tallulah and Swagman were chosen to be moored close to one another and the afternoon turned into a gentle riot.

We were charged with simply firing up by BBQ and doing snags in buns.  Managed to fit the thing onto a stanchion so any drips went outboard – and spent the afternoon sorting out 3 Kg’s of sausages for the troops.  I meant to remains sober – but Jem’s Mark continued to feed me cold beers for my efforts – and the evening disappeared in a haze.

I am told we all finished at 0100 on Tallulah – but can’t recall falling in my bunk. 

Headaches all round this morning and I think the fleet was really pleased to learn with again no wind – we could depart when we wished and motor this last leg.

The girls slept virtually the whole way.  I sailed when I could – but mostly motor-sailed down the coast to the corner.  The girls awoke as we rounded Cape St Vicente in close company with Spectra to toast our journey with port / cheese - and dip the ensign.

We managed to pick up some wind and make a decent show for shoreside spectators on the cape – but it soon dies out and we finished the leg under engine.

Nice reception by the Marina Director and an even nicer evening out with crews from Blue Horizon, Tullulah and Soulmates.

That’s it.

Oh – yes we did win Cascais to Sines, so now lead the fleet overall and looking forward to the wind up bash tonight.