The ARC Portugal fleet enjoyed a welcoming sangria at Monte Real Club de Yates on Friday, the day after they arrived on the Galician coast. After having recovered from their long journeys and had time for a bit of boat cleaning, participants were able to relax and enjoy a lovely sunset overlooking the marina. Once a few words of welcome were said by Andrew Bishop, a big dinner was held at El Tunel restaurant with a menu of local tapas, meat and fish. The evening provided an opportunity to share stories from their Biscay crossing and celebrate their arrival in the local bars in the pretty town of Bayona. 
On Saturday it was an early start for an all day tour to Santiago de Compostela. They were met on arrival by the guide Patricia who gave them a running commentary as they all explored the famous Plazas and entered the Cathedral de Santiago. They were all delighted to see the hundreds of tapas bars in every street where they could enjoy a nice meal in the busy streets of Santiago. 
The Leg 1 prizegiving took place at the Monte Real Club de Yates on Monday night, where the announcement of the winners of the leg, the closest ETA competition and the unique Smiley Miley competition. Both the Vice President of the Yacht Club, Alejandro Retoloza and the President, Jose Luis Alvarez attended the prizegiving and also joined the fleet for dinner.
The prize for the overall first position of Leg 1 was given to to the crew of Dufour 40 Performance “With Dignity” closely followed by Southerly 42RST “Saving Grace II”. Fun prizes went to John and Wendy from “Carnival" who not only won the ETA competition guessing they would arrive at 1300 on Thursday and arriving at 0815 but also the first part of the Smiley Miley competition where they guessed exactly the 168 miles from Plymouth to Cowes that the rally team would drive. The second part of the Smiley Miley competition was won by Andrew and SWade, from “Dashzani” where they guessed 164 kilometres for the team's travel from Porto to Bayona - just 4KM away from the actual amount.
With Dignity crew collect their prize with Club President, Jose Luis Alvarez
The meal after the prizegiving was a fine selection of tapas style starters followed by a much enjoyed steak and chips main course!
Today the participants got onto the 0930 bus which took them to Monte Santa Tegra where unfortunately they were accompanied by a very thick fog which meant there was no view from the Monte at all. Luckily enough the fog cleared away and the walk to the Muinos do Folon was absolutely stunning with amazing views and perfect weather. Climbing amongst the waterfalls and traditional watermills from the 15th and 16th century provided a bit of exercise away from the marina. At the top of the mountain they all had lunch at a charming restaurant where they enjoyed “the best meal I have ever had in Spain”. Crews will be sad to wave goodbye to beautiful Galicia, as they depart tomorrow for Leg Two to Povoa de Varzim.
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