Biscay crossed

Having waited (not very patiently) for a window to cross Biscay, finally one “appeared” to arrive. The plan was to leave Salcombe and head west/southwest out into the Atlantic and after 24 hours turn south for À Coruna. There was a small low pressure developing in Biscay which I’d hoped to sail just north of and then grab the breeze down the back of it all the way south. Jeremy on Right Turn had the same idea and duly left from Plymouth at the same time. I say at the same time but he sneaked out an hour early… boy racer!!

Unfortunately there had been some strong winds from the west a few days earlier which had created big seas and short swells. Once we’d left Salcombe we were hit hard by this and quickly realised our proposed route was impossible. After a discussion onboard and then with Jeremy we all decided to change course and head towards Ushant on the northwest coast of France and enter Biscay from there. Having a better wind angle we sailed very quickly, in fact too quickly as we crossed the very busy shipping lanes arriving at Ouissant 4 hours early and met the spring tide in full flow against us, meaning very slow progress for 5 hours until the tide turned.

Then the wind died off and we began motor sailing which was to be a long motor south. The seas were very confused with swell and waves from any and all directions but no wind to stabilise the boat. Our 2nd night at sea was with full cloud cover, no moon and yet more confused seas. In fact it was so black it was impossible to see anything at all. Very eerie indeed, thank goodness for radar !

À Coruna was reached after 481 miles and 78 hours, were we ready for some beer and tapas.!!

Nala was brilliant, having been taught not to go to the toilet onboard she finally gave in and went on deck after 28 hours… relief for everyone including her I’m sure 😂

We stopped in the marina Coruna for 3 days (53 euros a night) which was enough time to relax, catch up on some sleep and look around the lovely town, which was so busy every evening. As the U.K. is no longer part of the EU (😡) it was necessary to sign into the Schengen zone and have our passports stamped. This gives us 90 days in Europe at which time we have to leave for 90 days…… all very annoying so thanks U.K. voters for messing everything up 🤷🏻‍♂️

The marina staff told us the check in could be done at the port authority offices but when we went there they had absolutely no idea what we were talking about. Eventually we visited the police station who did stamp us in, so we’re all legal now.

Together with Jeremy we left À Coruna and headed into what is now known as Orca alley, the start of a very nervous trip south to Gibraltar with all eyes on the seas looking out for these killer whales who are eating yacht rudders for fun. The recommended route is to sail under 20 metres depth, unfortunately until we reach the Portuguese border this is impossible due to rocks on the Galician coast. So we’re back in the beautiful Rias….