Typical sailors. Before getting here, all we knew about Porto was a) that it had a marina (giving a discount to WCC members, and with a washing machine); b) that the entry was difficult in a spring ebb or strong onshore winds; and c) that it was a good 68 mile day sail from Baioña. Nothing at all about what a lovely city it is! We planned to stay one night… finally made it three. A great couple of days, with lots and lots of walking as we explored the steep backstreets and alleyways of the old town, and the even steeper winding cobbled streets of the port district across the river Douro. We did a fascinating tour at Ferreira’s, including a tasting (and of course a purchasing). Rather sad to leave – but Porto’s been added to the list of places to return to.

However, the south is calling us… so this morning (Wednesday) we rose with the gulls, and headed down the river to the sea; sunrise on the left and a wee half-moon above the mast. The first couple of hours we just motored in a couple of knots of breeze, but then the wind picked up and out came the ParaSailor again. It takes a little while to rig – though we are getting faster – but what a lovely sail once it is up. If G had his way, this blog would be filled with pictures of it… but he doesn’t.

G started doing some sun-sights today to get some practice in with the sextant. The tricky bit is always the sight reduction process. Current sextant derived positions put us somewhere in the north Atlantic, which whilst not completely inaccurate, needs some improving.

Our destination is Figuera de Foz – chosen because a) it has a marina and anchorage, b) it has a safe entrance and c) it is a good 68 mile day sail from Porto.