One third down

Seems like we have been motoring, motoring, motoring - yes we have! From Camarinas to Muros to Baiona to Porto -YUK! The nearest we managed sailing was a bit of motor sailing into a south westerly yesterday. The winds are a coming though, and after a short spell here seeing the sights of Porto, the winds look favourable to take us south. Still quite a way to Gib yet! Our concentration has been absorbed by dodging lobster pots and windmills. 

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Meandering south

After the good winds of Biscay and the crazy winds from Corunna we have spent a recuperating three days in a small Spanish fishing village, called Camarinas. We may have out stayed our welcome as the winds have now died away, and it looks as if the next four or five days are going to be under "iron topsail". While Bisacy is good for crossing northwards we are now sitting in the middle or the eye of a hole in the winds. Hey, ho, the sun is shining, the boat jobs list diminishes by the hour and "me time" is high. James is doing sterling work! Thank goodness diesel is relatively cheap! 

Corunna allowed us a little shopping time. Passing Cape Finisterre was a highlight. All down hill from here.;-) 

Biscay conquered

After five long but enjoyable days in Cameray we motored out into bumpy seas and beat into the wind to the west end of the Pont de Sein from which we turned south for Spain. Relief with E and NE winds was palpable and provided us with two following days of beautiful clear blue skies and F 3-4 winds. The cruising chute whisked us along at 6-8 knts, though became a challenge changing it for the headsail at 1am. Sunshine by day and brilliant moonlight by night - almost idyllic one might say!

 Bumpy at times but one can forgive the Bay for that and with the highlight of a large pod of Dolphins swimming with us and showing off for 6 hours, we consider ourselves to have crossed memorably. 401 nautical miles in just under three days. The right time to cross as the winds are now blowing a hooley so we may have to stay here a couple of days.

Still in Cameret, France

Enjoying sunshine, seafood and scenery waiting for the near perfect conditions. High pressure tracking in from the Atlantic means a Tuesday departure for certain. 2 1/2 days should see us off Cape Finistere and Vigo/Bayonna on Thursday. Sunshine Tapas and Rioja calling.  

First Crossing - English Channel

Departed Fowey in brilliant sunshine after a leisurely morning and walk around the picturesque town.  Winds west to south west 3-5 meant a fine reach across the Channel under full and sometimes first reefed sails. Taking a more westerly track than we actually needed, we found ourselves motor sailing when the wind died as the light came up. A long, and tiring night for D, and a longer motor up the Brest estuary to Marina du Chateau. A welcome berth and a two hour power nap put us in the mood for French shellfish and white wine.  The langoustine and baguette were excellent.

Likely to be in Brest for the next two days at least, looking at Sunday departure across the Bay to Spain. Any weather tips! 

Plymouth to Fowey

Christened the BBQ in Plymouth, a great addition to Laros. Departed after brunch, thanks Chris (J's brother) and had a great sail to Fowey. Quiet evening on a river pontoon with the first true night self sufficient ( generator & service battery). 

Winds look favourable for a channel crossing to Brest tomorrow, overnight.