On this journey I‘m sailing on Fred‘s 43 ft. aluminium custom made sailing yacht from Lisbon southwards.
We mainly remained close to the coast because of the Orcas. The recommendation is to stay within 20 m depth close to the coast.
It starts at the Marina Parque das Nações in Lisbon where we go to the next big food store in the morning, walking 1.2 km up the hill, over a heavily driven concrete bridge, crossing the railway lines along old industrial sites, surrounded by modern urban apartments.
Back on board with approx. 100 kg of food and drink provisions, we headed after storing all to Lisbon old city.
On the early morning we moored off and headed to the Atlantic. The October weather gave us quick shower, clearing up as we sailed under Lissabons bridge.
Several cargo ships passing and ferries crossing our route.
On our way to Sesimbre we pass an stone formation looking like an octopus head.
After a rough night in Sesimbra bay we move in the morning to a calmer spot in front of the Police station and fisher boats.
Releaved we enjoy the relaxing stay, as we cannot leave, because of the strong gusty winds. After a while having our fried eggs with chorizo the local Police officer rings his alarm and informs us to move as the anchoring is not permitted at that spot! No discussions, we have move back where we where.
This morning we headed at 7.30 am to Setubal backwaters where we hat to arrive at 10.30 am before the tide is too low. Fred needed to mount the missing anode.
Peter and me strolled off to get some provisions. An approx. 5 km walk on the dunes road brought us to the holiday apartments village, but everything was closed. Naturally off season!
We asked a security guard and he said we could walk to Troja another 7 km. so we decided to walk back and take our well-deserved beer back on board!
The Sines Center for the Arts from Aires Mateus was very impressive to visit. The modern cube building is surrounded by traditional houses. Inside the walls symmetry and light entries are placed for stunning views.
Our next target is to reach the cape of Sagres. The winds are good to sail down the coastline and motor through the night.
After passing the Cape Sagres on Europe’s most south western point we anchored at 1.30 am in a well protected bay east of Sagres.
After a good sleep and delicious breakfast we are heading to Portimao passing Lagos with it’s rock formations.
In the river entrance to Portimao we anchored in the Ferragudo bay early afternoon. The forecast shows showers for the next day and we decide to stay and have a blues day.
Next morning was sunny with low tide and low winds. A sailor next to us is bumping on his keel, as the water depth is too low.
Yesterday the anchor on his yacht didn’t hold during the storm and his yacht was drifting down the channel. I saw a guy stamping along the beach to his dinghy, once in the water the outboard motor wasn’t working, so he was rowing very hard against the wind to his yacht. In the meantime the nearby motorboat owner was protecting his boat against close bumping in yacht. Once on his yacht he managed to reverse into shallow waters, but didn’t pull up the anchor dragging on the ground. Eventually harbour assistant’s came to help with flashing blue lights.
We departed quite early at 7.30 heading to Faro, Cais Ilha da Culatra arriving in the afternoon. A magnificent place in the dunes and fishermen.
We‘re heading to Ayamonte, the spanisch side on the river Rio Guadiana. The Plaza de la Laguna is very alive, children playing and parents chatting on the seat banks with friends. We sit in a cozy tapas bar and have a sangria, cuba libre with the famous yellow tremoco cocido beans.
Our next goal is Huevla, 33 sm away, for the long haul to Cadiz. After a light wind sailing day we stay overnight on anchor and head in the early morning 6 am to Cadiz, 46 sm.
At 13.30 we arrived thanks to a strong current pushing us forward. Cadiz is my final destination, flying back via Mallorca.
In the evening we strolled through Rota community, exploring the Castello Luna, with an delicious dinner.
