Cascais to Vilamoura 12 to 14 Nov 09
Athough conditions were very well suited to continue south, I put in to Cascais to have the new main repaired, as the luff rope fittings were chafing the rope and repeatedly causing it to break. I also was keen to meet up with friends who live close to Cascais. It was also here that Delphine departed and Charlie joined.
The passage of Atlantic lows once more influenced the departure date and this time conditions were not that good but with a swell of up to 8 meters predicted to move down the Portugese coast in the next few days, it was best to head south ahead of it.
We set off in light winds to cross the mouth of the Tagus. It seems every headland is there to impose its will and Capes Especial and St Vincent certainly did that. For most of the passage the sea state was very confused with a NW swell competing with one being generated by a SE wind. The iron sail was again needed from time to time to keep up a steady progress. Once round Cape St Vincent it was noticeably warmer and as we progressed east the sea state improved until it was virtually flat. There were jobs to be done that needed Plane Song to be alongside so the plan to anchor near Faro was changed for a berth at Vilamoura marina. It is so large that a water taxi is needed to get about!
Mary joined me on my birthday, the best present I could have wished for. She brought with her the numerous things I discovered I could not exist without, including a new laptop-thank you Bill for helping out! Shortly after Mary leaves my nephew Theo arrives and we will be looking for some fair winds to take us south to the Canaries.