Brindabella

We sailed down from Viana do Castelo to Porto on Sunday. The Portuguese trade winds blow from the north most of the summer. Generally there is little wind in the morning and it builds to 25 knots plus in the afternoon. Most days have ended with more than 30 knots. There is also much more wind at sea than in port. This makes for some fast sailing. The forecast was similar for Sunday.

We left the port with two other yachts that had been with us on the pontoon. We put the sails up in the river but already reefed for the blow that we knew was coming.

We had a fantastic downwind sail all of the way. The swell was running at more than 2m and wind was blowing at 25 knots, plus. Most of the trip we were sailing between 6 and 7 knots with heavily reefed sails. It was very exhilarating and great fun. It was the best sail so far this year.

The swell dropped as we turned into the River Douro. There was a great view upriver towards the 'Ponte d'Arrábida' bridge and into the city of Porto. We went into the Marina Douro.

On Monday, we crossed the river by ferry and walked the 3km into town. We had a good look around and walked back to the marina on the opposite bank.

Tuesday we walked back into town but on the same side as the marina. We spent the morning visiting Grahams port house. It was a great tour and we came away with a small stock of port for the winter. The view from the restaurant veranda was probably one of the best in Porto, see above.

Sunday night we ate at a street side fish restaurant. Simple fresh fish cooked on a BBQ served with a simple salad. Together with a glass of chilled vinho verde which is a slightly sparkling young wine. This is fish at its best.

Porto will definitely be one of the highlights of the cruise. Tomorrow we will set sail again, heading south to Figueira da Foz.

Time: 6:15 hours Miles: 38nm Total Time: 55:15 hours Total Miles: 302nm