Adios Bayona!

Greeted by sunny skies for a beautiful final morning in Bayona, rally crews readied their boats for the 50NM mile passage to the Portuguese port of Povoa de Varzim. Many are sad to say goodbye to the lovely Spanish port, where they have been made to feel very welcome by Oscar, Leticia and the team of marineros at our host club, the Monte Real Club de Yates; several have vowed to return in the future as they said ‘adios’ to the team. Filling up with fuel and making final checks before they slipped lines this morning, crews were all smiles and it was evident that they were ready to get to sea once again feeling refreshed after a great time ashore.

14 boats took this morning’s start with a light breeze blowing through the bay. It was a clear start and Sea Orchid were well positioned to cross the line first once again, keeping up the tradition following their pole position departure from Plymouth. With the light breeze, it was a sedate but stunning sight as the fleet filed over the line.

Agape have delayed their departure with engine problems, but are working hard to try and catch up the fleet later in the rally. Three boats, Prima Donna, High Spirits and Amarone have completed their Biscay crossing after stopping in northern France; they are also looking forward to rejoining the fleet in Povoa later in the week.

The forecast for today’s sail is a pleasant NE wind of 10-15 knots which should fill in as the yachts make their way along the coastline. They are expected to arrive in Povoa from around 1700, where they’ll be greeted by Rally Control and the team from the Club Naval de Povenese. This evening a rally supper will be held at the marina restaurant and there’s plenty coming up on the programme for crews to enjoy during their first stopover in Portugal.