The Spanish Rias

The Spanish Rias


Note; We have finally managed to upload a video to youtube, see link in Biscay post.

With light winds expected before another blowy day we decided to head off west and make our way to the Spanish Rias in search of a pretty sheltered anchorage.

Our first destination was 52nm to Ria De Camerinas, bit of a blow getting in but all pretty easy and anchored first time, close to shore with northerly wind blowing over us.  Not very close to the harbor so we spent relaxing day on boat, caught up on some more sleep and baked some cakes!  A nice surprise was dolphins in the bay, Mark did fancy a swim with them but I think they would have swum a mile after seeing him in full wetsuit and flippers!

After a misty start the next day was one of our best sailing days yet, the dolphins came out to say goodbye and then we had a lovely downwind sail with light breeze (Cheryl – less sailing jargon from me!), 43 miles of drifting along.  It was actually the first day that I was able to sail without full sailing clothes actually managed jeans which is a miracle for me, Mark was baking in shorts.  Scenery was absolutely stunning; we passed round Point Finisterre which had been a worry as notoriously windy but all ok, phew! Beautiful sandy beaches in the distance and even had a couple of passing sail boats give us a wave.  Mark seems to be following the path of the wind turbines, can’t get away from work!  Arrived at Ria De Muros all excited by a new destination and probably the prettiest surroundings yet. Had a lovely evening sunning ourselves in the cockpit.

Then followed a very sleepless nightL, what was forecasted as strong northerly was more easterly than northerly and the bay where we were anchored with 4 other yachts was very very blowy! We spent most the night checking we were still anchored, praying for daylight when everything would seem better. After not a great deal of sleep morning arrived and with it more wind, no chance of leaving the boat and spent most the day dosing and making the boat as safe as possible; no sign of any movement from of our neighbors who had obviously experienced the same night as us.  The only highlight of the day was more dolphins swimming, splashing around about 25ft from the boat! Never have time to get a decent photo but enough to make our day. Thankfully by the following morning (Friday – it is so difficult to keep track of what day it is!!) wind had dropped enough for us to set off on the dingy to venture into Muros.

Muros was lovely village, were able to tie dingy up in harbor and friendly fisherman gave us his access card to get out through security – I thought this was very kind since we had no way of communicating with him! Lovely little church and old Spanish whitewash building all really clean and well maintained.  Even ventured into Spanish market and attempted to get our provisions. Got an absolute soaking on the way back in the dingy.

Lessoned learned that on blowy days we will be stuck on the boat, good news is that wind generator is whirling so we were able to distract ourselves with a dvd J