Baiona to Povoa de Varzim (into Portugal)
24 June 2014
Stu & Shar
Again we left in light NE winds, which shifted south onto a beat, but fortunately remained light all day. Dolphins came and joined us for a ride, but soon disappeared as we weren't moving along to fast, we tried to sail but they just flogged, so on with the iron mainsail and away we went....We switched flags and hoisted Q-flag as we crossed the border, I wondered if the customs guys will take any interest in us, France and Spain weren't too interested and took a cursory glance.....I noticed we were working against quite a strong current running against us so moved in close to the coast to get out of it and continued to tonk along on the motor...... A thunderstorm developed late in the afternoon and lightening........okay lightening........move away from anything metallic and go below unless you really need to be on deck...shut off all unnecessary electrics and hope it's a short storm.....having an 18m lightening conductor aboard, stuck out in the middle of a flat sea makes you a good target.......fortunately the lightening didn't last long the, rain started to fall as the storm dissipated and continued until we were a couple of miles out of Povoa de Varzim. Into harbour a quick feed with a complimentary beer/wine from the harbour master at the bar (nice touch) and off to bed, this was just a quick stop over, then continue southward. One thing to mention was in Spain the 'San Juan' festival is on the 23rd , in Portugal its on the 24th , so another night of ear plugs to sleep :o)