Bolero - To Nazare

Our next destination was changed from Peniche to Nazare. This meant a much shorter passage from Figueira da Foz.

This was a non competitive leg. Skippers were advised to make a note of their start and finish times in the forecast light conditions. The mainsail was hoisted as we left the harbour, followed by the Genoa and staysail. The cutter rig proved the ideal sail plan for the conditions and we romped along in glorious sunshine. This was the shortest passage to date, but there was a sting in the tail……. As we rounded the final headland the wind picked up significantly as we lowered the sails. We were feeling the effects of the Nazare trench. The boat rolled in the swell as we waited to go into the harbour.

As soon as we were sheltered by the breakwater, the sea flattened but the wind reminded. We were welcomed to our berth by the WCC team. It was a treat to arrive at a harbour and be able to take a leisurely walk into town for an ice cream!

On Wednesday we had a delicious rally lunch at a local restaurant. On our way to the funicular, we decided not to paddle in the sea….. the red flag was flying and the rollers breaking on the beach were quite a spectacle. The views from the top were stunning. There is a small exhibition of surf boards used when the records have been broken and a scale model of the Nazare trench and the effect this has on the seas.

Nazare grew on us….. on the day we arrived there were lots people in the town and it seemed almost a victim of its own success, on our second day, the huge beaches were much quieter and the town was transformed with a more relaxed atmosphere.

It was an early night as we were due to have an early start for the 75 mile leg to Oeiras.

Fair winds
Nick, Maz, Steve, Judith and Willy