There are lots of different types of sciences and ologies. There is Geology, the study of rocks, Biology, the study of life forms, and even Scientology (is that a science or an ology or both?) which is studied only by bonkers people like Tom Cruise. Over the course of the past few days we have discovered and have awarded ourselves a degree in a new ology. That's Bagology. Bagology is the study and application of making really difficult bags by hand.

With new gingham material sourced and under instruction from Fiona (with her A Level in textile design) every moment that we've not been sailing, swimming, avoiding the rain, hunting wifi or water, re-enacting Trafalgar and selecting bargain Rioja has been taken up with shaping, forming, designing and stitching fabric to sailcloth to form a new handbag in time for Fiona's birthday. With many puncture wounds from sharp needles and a new found respect for dressmakers Iain is pleased to announce that it has been finished and is ready for presentation tomorrow. But the $1M dollar question is what will be inside the bag?

As you would expect we have continued our journey south and exited Ria Muros. As we left we were joined by a similar sized French boat of French origin. It felt like Trafalgar, the plucky Brits on their British manufactured Sadler, taking on the might of the French with their mass produced Beneteau's. We had a race on. As the day wore on we overtook and slowly left him on our wake. We'd done Nelson proud by keeping the French in their place.

On the way south we sailed past the first of the National Maritime reserves. In the distance we could hear birdlife revelling as so few people visit these islands. We had to try and get our visa's, come fair means or foul. As we dropped hook in yet another perfect anchorage we found that we had an email from the Truro branch of the 'Maples Foreign Assistance Company', or more commonly known as Henry Maples. Utilizing his Spanish he'd offered to try and confirm the status of our application and find out if one would arrive in time. As if my magic, within minutes of hearing back from Henry a visa popped into our inbox. Fiona commented 'That's the best birthday present ever' (No more diamonds for her then) and Cinderella will be going to the ball or more accurately, Ruffian will be going to the Isles. Thank you so much Henry for pushing things along.

Since living on board all crew members, with the exception of Larry, have become alcoholic lightweights. This is becoming a problem as we are now very much in the heart of the world's centre of Rioja. Iain invested 1.50E in a bottle of Rioja and was pretty impressed (Fiona wasn't) and then Fiona invested 2.50E and her taste buds were fully satisfied. Before we leave the Ria's we're going to have to find some space and stock up on this bargain vino, which, as we are such lightweights will last us well into the future.

When we made entry into this Ria we knew that we had some pretty serious weather on the way and would have to seek some form of shelter, be this in one of the purpose built marinas or behind some friendly hill whilst swinging on our anchor. Right now we have sought shelter in Ria Aldan, behind said friendly hill, the hook dug deep into dense sand and have 35knots of wind whistling through the rigging. The height of the storm will be hitting us at about 3am so we're looking forward to a night of no sleep.

Ruffian at anchor off the most perfect swimming beach at Aguieira in Ria Muros.


Bag making continues; it's starting to get complicated.


Isn't this supposed to be Spain in August? Sailing in jackets. Quite outrageous.


Racing on IMS 50 footers was spotted. Would Iain get in another sail in after being at sea for hours on end, just like in Bangor?


Blog noting at anchor. These things don't write themselves.


Fiona settling down for an afternoon of research. We are in a Rioja based heaven.


Larry gets ejected by Fiona from the forepeak. I wonder what he was up to? Naughty Llama.


Sailing in the rain, in search of a safe haven.


Angry clouds were everywhere dropping their contents en-route.


Bag making finished. Full of features; lined, double zipped, custom logo's, pull tabs, rolled handles.


A proud and happy Iain with his creation. Finally!!!!!