Yacht Albatross: Onward and southward (to Baiona)

The Spanish Rias are rather too pleasant for daily blogging, so the next part of this account is mercifully brief.

4 July

We said "Goodbye" to Angela in Combarro Marina (Ria de Ponteventra) and returned to the very nice anchorage nearby which was now almost deserted but for the occasional fishing boat. We flubbered ashore, had swims and stayed the night.

The occasional fishing boat.

6 July

To Sanxenxo. Sanxenxo (pronounced "Aylesbury") was hot. The helpful team in marina control spoke no English so Jean used her Spanish on Channel 9. We berthed on a long, modern but squeaky pontoon (which I treated with a good squirt of WD40). In the office, we (I) conversed in French. We found a large washing machine concealed in a concrete bunker and Jean bribed it into washing our clothes.

Washing in Sanxenxo.

The disco at Sanxenxo finished at 0500 which was nice.

7 July

We motored to the next Ria. This was founded very long ago by the Romans who named it "Vigo". (Those wth a grasp of Latin will remember that Vigo declines as a 1st declension active verb as follows "Vigo, vigas, vigat, vigamus, vigatis, vigant" and translates to " I go, you go, we go .. etc.) Obviously.

Vigo does have the Best Beach in Spain (and possibly, according to the Sunday Telegraph Magazine, the Best Beach in The World). "Ensada de Barra" (known locally as "bare arse beach").

Ensada de Barra

The anchorage.

8 July.

After a brif holiday at Barra Beach we departed for Cangas. The marina was full. We eventually berthed in Moana Marina and had eggs for supper. Next day, we had a day off in Moana and had drinks with a very nice couple from Carrick Fergus whose son is in the Olympic Sailing Team.

Moana Marina towards Vigo at dusk. Note Cruising Association Flag.

10 July

To Baiona. We motored. We moored "Stern-to". This was a first for our Albatross.

Stern-to in Baiona

Apparently Baiona is famous for Chrisopher Cumulus a weatherman who discovered America whilst sailing on the Pinta. Biona has a posh yacht club, a castle, nice old streets and a mock up of the Pinta. Jean went for a run. I didn't.