Falmouth isn't called "Pasty" and London isn't called "Bankers with Loads of Money", so why call your city after it's most important export? We think it's because if the export is as ludicrously yummy as port then the town that it comes from should advertise it's export at every opportunity. This is exactly what Portugal have done with their second city celebrating their fine produce of port.

Porto is the not only known for its produce of Port it is also known as the city of bridges. The bridges span the river Duoro and the town rises up on the steep hills either side. This made Porto a town that was easy to defend in times gone by and because of all the hills the picturesque streets at the top of both sides are safe from the 1000's of white wobbly cruise liner passengers that disembark to take in the Port lodges at the rivers edge. The crew of Ruffian, Larry included, took in all these little streets with fascinating shops before the main event of the day, a tour and tasting in a port lodge.

In the lodge we found out all about port and it has many similarities to whisky, in so much that it tastes of wood. We also found out that we are slowing following the casks around the world as the port casks, once they are passed their sell by date, get shipped off to Scotland to be used in Whiskey production. Whisky therefore takes of wood, mud and rotten port. No wonder Iain doesn't like it! To complete the cask journey we now just need to visit a forest where tree's are felled to make them. The port tasting was sublime, but most importantly we were introduced to white port. This we've had before but never with such quality or in such convivial surroundings.

Once back to the boat the task of passage planning had to take place, but this time in the company of Selkie. After speaking of the marinas that were within striking distance and complaining about the cost, Fiona found a little gem of a bay that is excluded from the almanac and only gets a short mention in the pilot book. It looked like a super sized Lulworth Cove, but with the addition of sand and sun to make things even more scenic. A plan formed that we'd sail in the company of Selkie the 140 miles south overnight to arrive for lunchtime.

On the morning of departure from Porto de Varzim a very important occasion had to be witnessed. Cian and Ellen, the kids on Selkie had bought Larry some presents in Porto so there would be a pre departure present opening extravaganza. We don't know who was more excited Larry, Cian or Ellen but Larry ended up with a new friend, Porto, a very stylish necklace and a can of Guinness. Larry sends his heart felt thanks to Justin, Trish, Cian and Ellen.

As we planned to sail through the night we wanted to get offshore so that we'd avoid the 1000's of lobster pots and nets that dot this coastline. At dawn we could then turn towards land and dodge these obstructions in the light of day. All was going to plan, we'd sailed the first 100 miles surrounded by dolphins and then the wind dropped so it was engine on, Selkie was still in sight, dawn was upon us and we were starting to see pots and nets. Then we slowed and slowed and slowed. We'd caught a net. Quick as a flash the engine was turned off and we were pushed backwards by the net. As the tension in the line reduced the net started to fall and after rolling some sails out we slowly glided over the top of the unmarked obstruction. This was a heartstopping moment and we had visions of another 'Loch Sween' incident.

During the incident and as daylight was upon us we lost touch with Selkie and had also lost radio contact at some point pre dawn. We sailed on and made entry into Sao Martinho after negotiating more nets, more pots, rocks and a bar and dropped anchor in, as we expected, a supersonic Lulworth Cove. We expected to find Selkie happily at anchor or just behind us but they were nowhere to be seen. They'd decided to push onto Peniche and the delights of a playground for the bundles of energy known as Cian and Ellen. Larry and Ruffian's crew missed their company but we are sure we'll hitch up soon.
Sao Martinho gives us a great opportunity to have a 'lunch stop' at Ilhas Berlengas tomorrow, Portugal's only off lying islands. These are definatly a short stop location as the holding is bad, they exposed from all directions and landing difficult. They sound ace.

Porto shouldn't be called the city of bridges it should be named the city of massive hills.


Porto. The city of port. Where port is transported on triremes, apparently.


Larry tried to get into a barrel of the sweet nectar.


But settled for a tasting instead.


Iain and Fiona being all sophisticated.


Whilst Larry ends up in his 'normal' state.


Cian and Ellen from Selkie bought Larry come presents from Porto. Larry was beside himself with excitement and we welcomed a new friend onboard Ruffian named Porto.


There are clingons on the starboard bow. Sailing south from Porto de Varzim, Selkie had legs on us all night.


Go on Fiona pretend you've been up all night. Oh no, no need to pretend, you have been up all night.


Dolphins everywhere, time and time again.


A secluded bay with a picture perfect sunset and some red wine making the overnight haul worthwhile.