Leg 4 of ARC Portugal is now underway as the fleet have just sailed West out of the River Douro in Porto and make their way to Figueira Da Foz, some 55NM South. The start was taken just outside the Douro Marina where the boats have been very well looked after over the last few days. The conditions on the start line initially looked to be a very light wind fine reach down river, however a few minutes after Andrew Bishop has counted down to the start signal, the wind filled in nicely allowing for a lovely beat down the Douro.
On Friday, after a fantastic dinner and prize giving at Graham’s Port Lodge, the fleet enjoyed Tuk Tuk tours organised by the rally team, where participants went on a 2 hour walking tour to see the ‘secrets of Porto’ which included the magnificent San Francisco Cathedral covered in golden leaf, and the Stock Exchange Palace, ‘Palacio Da Bolsa’ which was very impressive. Marta the guide delivered an excellent tour and kept all crews interested as she showed people around the various buildings explaining in great detail the cities history. After the walking tour, the Tuk-Tuk’s which were completely electric powered, scooted the participants around the city so they could soak up the atmosphere, stopping off at some fine view-points before returning them to the Marina. We thank Marta and the Tuk-Tours for their support during our stay in Porto, as well as Jose and Francisca who have been hugely supportive of ARC Portugal and looked after us very well.