Concarneau to Bayona NW Spain

After a week of waiting for suitable weather the prospect of 4 to 5 days without near gales arrived and we set off the afternoon of 24 October. The intention was to get round Cape Finisterre but failing that La Coruna would do. Strong westertly winds made for a cracking start and 70 miles were covered in the first 12 hours. It was not to last and on the second day motor sailing was necessary in very light winds. When the wind returned it was from the SSE which was just what was needed and at times Plane Song was broard reaching at over 7 knots as the wind increased on what was by now a relatively good sea state. Within sight of the Spanish coast the wind died away and the first of a few fog patches made for interesting progress. The new radar was an essential tool.

At this point it was very tempting to head into La Coruna now abeam but given the good sea state and light winds it seemed best to get around the Cape which can be a real barrier especially at this time of the year. So the iron sail helped progress all the way to Bayona where we arrived in warm sunshine the afternoon of 28 October to moor at the fabulous yacht club.

One of the delights of the night pasages for me was the amazing night sky and to see shooting stars so clearly. On one 3 hour watch I saw 5, one of which left a sparkling trail behind it. Dolphins came at times but were no too interested when the engine was on. A small unidentified bird, not a seabird, came aboard twice for a rest-fate unknown.

The next passage is to Cascais in Portugal where I think the Atlantic lows will be less inclined to disturb progress