19th June 2017. Bayona to Pavoa de Varzim
Leg 2 of our journey south began in fog, the race having been cancelled at the last minute due to the poor weather conditions. This affected the crew badly, they had already taken performance enhancing drugs and were mentally charged, adrenaline coursing through their veins ready to lead the fleet to the next port. The crew had to do laps of the decks to wear off the affects of this disappointment.
The sail started in fog with the engine on. Wind was 2 knots, not good in any sailors memoirs. Coffee and MNS finest stem ginger cookies lifted moral.
When the wind did arrive it was on the stern. Skipper Mabel the mouse decided, a preventer on the main sail would be needed with a poled out Code Zero. After a short amount of training the female Dave's became proficient at handling Dave's pole. It didn't sadly last that long but Dave was very satisfied with the outcome. Mabel perused this activity on the foredeck, pleased her crew had performed so well. The wind soon died and then a wind shift meant the wind was inconveniently on the nose, despite all the training, to Dave's disappointment the pole had to be stowed away. A pattern was set for the journey. Sails up sails down sails tight in then out. "They were up and down like a whores drawers" said Dave. Upon arrival in Pavoa de Varzim the fleet were whisked into town for a welcome supper, prize giving, wine and of course some port. The mood changed when on the way back to the boats Alex, the jovial Russian slipped into the marina and was unable to get out. Sadly the Portuguese had not thought to install safety ladders!! There was much activity but the outcome was good and we managed to bring Alex to safety via a swim platform on another boat. To celebrate his return to dry land he offered "double wodka's" to his rescuers. We turned down his kind offer as it was late but we wish him Za zdorovje. Great to see him well!
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