Vigo → Málaga

Extract from the Seado log — kept by the skipper during the 21-day delivery. Each entry is the actual day-by-day account.

Leg 6 — Vigo → Lisbon

31 May — 5 June · 4 crew · ~280 NM

SUN 31/05 — Vigo → A Guarda (via the Cíes Islands)

Left Vigo at noon, motoring out of the ría before sailing via the Cíes — successful man-overboard exercise, then lunch at anchor off Praia das Rodas. Headed south at 15:50 with one reef, NW up to 23 knots in a confused sea; then the wind veered north and conditions settled. Émilie was seasick in the afternoon, so we shortened the leg and anchored in A Guarda’s rolly roadstead, with an additional line to a mooring.

A crew member’s seasickness is a factor in tactical decisions: an early stop in flat water is better than forcing a leg. ~38 NM.

MON 01/06 — A Guarda → Póvoa de Varzim

Delayed departure until noon to let Émilie recover — it worked, and she was in good shape again. Dead downwind on 180°: the NW built to 17–18 knots, and we made 7–8 before the breeze faded. Followed the coast to find the nortada. At sunset we stopped at the quiet marina in Póvoa rather than pushing on to Leixões. ~47 NM.

TUE 02/06 — Póvoa → Figueira da Foz

Left before breakfast in a sluggish morning — swell, no wind and a growing desire to start the engine. The afternoon improved: NW building to 17–18 knots, gusting 25–27, a real rodeo at the helm (autopilot out of action) until 21:00. Skipped Aveiro to cover more distance. Arrived off Figueira at night to find the marina full. Rather than force the Mondego entrance at low water, we headed back out into the night towards Peniche. ~74 NM.

WED 03/06 — Figueira → Peniche (overnight)

Left Figueira again at around 22:30, in a clear, moonless night. The NNW wind returned at 03:45 (19 knots) — a solid following breeze and manageable seas — then eased on approach. Arrived in daylight and calm conditions at the small, quiet harbour of Peniche. Position at 03:45: 39°50.5′N / 009°10.9′W · NNW 19 kn · SOG 6.2 kn.

Solved the autopilot problem overnight: the fuse in position 5 of the E-T-A panel had been missing since departure. Replaced it and the autopilot worked.

THU 04/06 — Peniche → Cascais (via Cabo da Roca)

A beautiful leg. A wonderful day — comfortable 10–15-knot wind, slight sea and gentle ~1.5 m swell. When the breeze picked up in the afternoon, we hand-steered for the pleasure of it; Émilie was in excellent form and even helmed the approach to Cascais. Lovely coastal scenery. Arrived at the right moment, as the wind increased to ~20 knots sustained on entering Cascais. ~42 NM.

FRI 05/06 — Cascais → Lisbon

Late departure from Cascais for a gentle leg along the Tagus under genoa alone: ~15 knots of wind, ~5 knots average speed, two easy hours. Arrival at Doca de Alcântara. Cleaned the boat, shared a crew meal and closed the leg. ~12 NM.

Leg 7 — Lisbon → Faro

6 — 12 June · 5 crew · ~230 NM · Active orca area

SAT 06/06 — Lisbon (joining the boat)

Joined the boat at Doca de Alcântara and took on supplies. Christine was on board; Camille arrived in the evening. Went into the city during a local festival right in the centre — very enjoyable and a chance to unwind. Good atmosphere and a motivated crew.

SUN 07/06 — Lisbon → Sesimbra

Left around 10:00, barely needed the engine to leave the harbour before setting sail. Found ourselves in the middle of a Sunday regatta of about forty boats. Crossed the start line with them and followed their course towards Cascais, then continued south when they turned back. Not set up for racing, but we gave everyone a run for their money — sheer joy leaving Lisbon with the flotilla. Camille at the helm, rounding the buoy at 2 m.

Spinnaker hoisted, then a gybe under spinnaker: a little lively but it worked. Spinnaker and genoa sheets tangled (same colour) — a useful lesson. Wind increased to 17 knots, and we finished under genoa at ~6 knots on a beam reach. ~35 NM.

MON 08/06 — Sesimbra → Sagres (Cape São Vicente)

Departure at 03:30. Spinnaker up at 06:30, before sunrise, sailing at ~150° to the wind. Dropped it at 11:30 when the wind reached 17 knots. Genoa and one reef: the boat was well balanced. Wind fluctuating between 17 and 23 knots. Solid breeze: 19–22 knots sustained, gusting 25–30. A real rollercoaster; top speeds of 16–18 knots under genoa and one reef.

Heavy wind-driven seas, ~4 m. Rounded Cape São Vicente at dusk. Anchored in a cove just beyond the cape — gusts of up to 40 knots overnight. The anchor held perfectly. Nobody was sick or frightened. Camille helmed beautifully under spinnaker: she loved it and was progressing quickly. 110 NM.

TUE 09/06 — Cape São Vicente → Lagos

An easy morning departure. As soon as we left shelter, the real breeze arrived: 25 knots sustained, gusting 30, on a close or beam reach. Rock-and-roll fun — one reef, plenty of heel, everyone had a turn at the helm, averaging 7–8 knots in “Formula 1” mode. A beautiful, very modern harbour. ~33 NM.

WED 10/06 — Lagos → Albufeira

A relaxed start, gentle breeze to a cove where we anchored for an easy breakfast. Along a magnificent stretch of Algarve coastline — coves, big rocks and wonderful places to explore. Light winds were harder to live with than strong ones: the crew had pulled together in lively conditions; in the calm, waiting began to weigh on everyone.

The skipper rated Albufeira marina 7/5. A festive evening: drinks on the boat, then dodgems in town. ~38 NM.

THU 11/06 — Albufeira → Vilamoura

Handed command to Anthony — his day as skipper. Departure manoeuvres, casting off and leaving port on his own with the crew. Christine helmed upwind during the sail — excellent control: good work with the telltales and a steady angle. A lovely sail, short and tidy. ~14 NM.

Total E7: ~230 NM, almost 100% under sail.

Leg 8 — Faro → Málaga (through the Strait of Gibraltar)

13 — 19 June · 5 crew · ~280 NM · Strait of Gibraltar · Orca area

SAT 13/06 — Vilamoura → shelter at Vila Real de Santo António

Left Vilamoura at 15:00 for Cádiz under sail, with one reef from the outset. The forecast SE breeze of ~15 knots did not hold: it dropped to 5 knots after half an hour, then 3–4 knots from the east, shifting every half-hour. Engine on from 15:30. By evening, the whole crew was seasick and had not found their sea legs; a long sail was too much. At 21:00 we decided to abandon the crossing and head for the Guadiana, with its easily accessible marked channel. Night entry by headtorch, flat water, anchor down at 01:00 off Vila Real de Santo António. ~50 NM.

You cannot force a crew who have yet to find their sea legs: in disorganised light conditions, the boat moves more than in a proper breeze. Better to seek an easy shelter early than to press on regardless.

SUN 14/06 — Vila Real de Santo António → Cádiz

Not a restful night: the anchor alarm sounded almost constantly (poorly set, with the boat swinging at each tidal change). Weighed anchor at ~09:30; left the river in ~8 knots of southerly wind, heading 125° on a close reach at ~5 knots under sail. The wind then faded, so we motored for the rest of the day. A good day’s fishing: 4 large bonito and 2 mackerel — one bonito as sushi, three baked. Anchored off Cádiz at ~23:30. ~65–70 NM.

TUE 16/06 — Cádiz → La Línea / Alcaidesa (through the strait)

Left the Cádiz pontoon at 06:15. Motoring with the mainsail up, ~6 knots, heading along the coast for Gibraltar via Tarifa. At 14:00, Punta Camarinal to port, ~1 knot of adverse current. At 15:30, rounded Tarifa under sail with one reef — the wind suddenly rose to SE 15–17 knots, gusting 22. Tacked around the point. Care needed around fishing gear: pots and large nets from Barbate’s fishing boats extend far offshore.

Gibraltar’s marinas (UK) would not accept visiting yachts, so we headed for La Línea / Alcaidesa Marina (Spain), adjoining Gibraltar: clean, pleasant and good value. ~68 NM.

WED 17/06 — La Línea stopover (visit to Gibraltar)

A day ashore, no sailing. Free time in La Línea and a visit to Gibraltar on foot — left the boat at Alcaidesa and walked across the border. Rest and a tidy-up aboard after the strait.

THU 18/06 — La Línea → Torremolinos

Cast off at 10:00 sharp. Sailed out of Gibraltar Bay, weaving between the anchored cargo ships — a lovely moment. Followed the coast towards Málaga, with an easterly blowing straight against us. Anemometer out of action (salt build-up), so wind strength estimated visually, probably ~20 knots. With the wind directly on our route, we tacked and added some motoring. Anchored off Torremolinos beach: a little rolly, but a lovely festive evening on board.

FRI 19/06 — Torremolinos (completion)

Into the marina at 08:00 for fuel and a berth with a laid mooring line. Boat secured and in good condition. Mission accomplished: brought the boat from point A to point D with control and efficiency. The crews made the most of the conditions allowed by the sea and the schedule.

The skipper’s reflections

Vigo → Lisbon is a delivery rather than a sightseeing cruise: a lot of miles in limited time, along a largely exposed coast with enough shelter to travel through, but not to linger.

Places worth exploring:

• Vigo rías / Cíes — wonderful sailing grounds, numerous anchorages, 3–4 easy days
• Peniche and the Berlengas — a beautiful area, an archipelago within reach
• Lisbon area (Cascais, Tagus) — 3–4 easy days
• Algarve (Lagos → Vilamoura) — coves, dramatic rocks and a beautiful coastline