Portugal Cascais, near Lisbon

Cascais, Portugal

Alan's Log:
Joan's Log:

Sunday July 1st, 2007

Voyage from Lagos to Cascais, near Lisbon, Portugal

We left Lagos early Sunday morning. The previous afternoon we moved Moonstruck out of the Marina to the waiting pier (outside the lifting bridge). This enabled us to get an early start on Sunday without having to wait on the bridge attendant. We had planned to stay in Cascais (just outside Lisbon) for a few days, however when we tried to make a reservation we found that it was completely full with the ISAF world championships of sailing taking place in Cascais. As we were getting ready to leave Lagos on the waiting pier we met Luciano, a charter captain who was moored next to us. After discussing our respective plans he had a suggestion. His boss, Domingos, maintains a slip in Cascais that he would not be using for a week or so (because Luciano had the boat in Lagos). A few phone calls later and we were set. We had a slip in Cascais, courtesy of Luciano!

We were expecting a tough motor up the coast against the prevailing winds. Fortunately we caught a break in the prevailing winds and were favored with a north-westerly that allowed us to sail west to round cap Sao Vicente, then north north east towards Sines, our first night's destination. We had originally planned to sail through the night and make Cascais without stopping, but Joan was still suffering quite badly from the food poisoning and so we pulled in to Sines (pronounced "sinch") for a break for the night. The Marina was tight for us and subject to swell. With the town a mile or so down the road, we just decided to stay on the boat and not explore this commercial/industrial looking town. Monday morning we set off again, this time motor-sailing with the wind almost on the nose up to Cascais.

Coastal sailing here is a little more demanding than in the Caribbean. There are many more fish traps as well as octopus pots and they extend further into deep water, so a close lookout needs to be kept at all times. As we approached Cascais we had another obstacle, we had to manouver around literally hundreds of fast small sailing boats; lasers, windsurfers, optimists (not so fast!), hobiecats, 420's, Yinglings etc. that were all competing for the world championships and for a chance to represent their countries in the upcoming Olympics.

It was exciting, but also quite stressful trying to keep out of everyone's way. Finally we were through them all and safely tied up at the reception pier at Cascais.

Cascais, Portugal

Tuesday July 3rd 2007

As we arrived in the seaside town of Cascais, waves of nausea washed over me. I had picked up food poisoning in Lagos and had been gradually getting worse as each day passed. I should have known better than to tempt fate, as I had been bragging only a few days before about how I never get sick!

Cascais is a lovely old Moorish town where the people of Lisbon go for a day of fun and relaxation at the beach. Also the world Championship of sailing was just getting started there as we arrived. Hundreds of young people from all over the world were competing in Yingling, laser, 420, Optimist, and wind surfer class. The winners of these races would then go on to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. I had no interest in any of it. I just wanted to stay in bed. After day five, I realized, as much as I hated to, it was time to find a doctor. It was at least a two mile hike to the nearest ER and by the time we arrived I was bathed in sweat. Without going into the gory details, it was a horrible experience. After waiting quite a long time, Alan came back to check on me, I pleaded with him for us to just walk out! He convinced me to stay, and in the end I’m glad I did because they did get me some medicine that helped, and it all cost about 20 euros. Now that I am back to 100% again I’ve been very careful about what I eat.

Ben, our youngest son arrived the next day.

We spent a few more days enjoying the pleasures of Cascais, watching the races and the hustle and bustle of all the athletes coming and going, and visiting with other cruisers on INDIGO who had just finished their transatlantic from Antigua. Ben very much enjoyed the young Euro-vibe of the town and beaches.