The ARC Portugal fleet enjoyed some complimentary Sangria on the Terrace of the Monte Real Club De Yates on Friday evening. In an ideal setting overlooking the marina, crew relaxed and took some time to soak up the view with the great Parador behind them. After the sun had set, over 70 participants took the short walk into town for a fine crew supper at Restaurante El Tunel where a set menu of local cuisine had been prepared. The function was a great success and further provided the opportunity for more socialising as the fleet become closer to one another and relationships grow.
A great selection of tapas style starters was presented followed by the main course of either fresh pork or local the speciality, Meduza (Hake). The entire top floor of the restaurant was filled with sailors and the conversation and wine flowed long into the night. It was also Nick Apps from Yacht Abraxas’ Birthday on Friday, so the staff at El; Tunel presented him with a Birthday cake after dinner which was supported by a loud and merry Happy Birthday sing a long.
An early but well worth start to the day on Saturday, as the ARC Portugal fleet took the 0900 coach from Bayona to the historic town of Santiago De Compostela. Our guides Patricia and Ebba were excellent as they showed participants around the town providing them a running commentary as they ambled the picturesque streets of Santiago.
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the green and wooded region of Galicia in Northern Spain. It was originally a stopping point on a Roman road, but the discovery of the Apostle James’ tomb at the beginning of the 9th century gave rise to a place of worship in this corner of the Iberian Peninsula, which was then dominated by the Moors.
From then on all of Europe started walking towards Santiago, a holy city of Christendom, where absolution awaited them. Known as the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), thousands of Pilgrims walk to Santiago (some ride on their bicycles or horses) every year. The main square in front of the Cathedral was awash with all nationalities having just arrived in this holy place after weeks of walking, many being greeted by their families who have come to meet them. Unesco now considers Santiago de Compostela a World Heritage Site.
Crews were fortunate enough to witness a Mass taking in the Catherdral whilst there. An excellent experience for anyone, religious or not, as the building was filled with people listening to the ancient prayers and hymns from the Catholic Old Testament.
Once Mass was over, lunch beckoned and the group split to choose a restaurant to sit down and enjoy some fresh comida. Karen from Yacht Unleashed said ‘It was a fantastic day, very well organised and I would recommend this tour to everyone and anyone, especially if you are interested in history and architecture’.
