Portugal to UK - always upwind ?

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Leixoes marina was a bit of a dump when I was there

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having been there in 1998 or so, when I thought it was a dump, I was prepared for the same when we called in in August.

Pleasantly surprised, the marina itself isnt up to much, (tucked in the corner of a big dock and very short pontoons for a 44ft), but the surroundings are now much nicer and I had one of the best steaks ever in one of the restaurants in the square....

out of the docks, cross the road and walk up the hill to the square. The restaurant was on SW corner of the square.
 
When we did Rally Portugal in 2005, we called in to Leixoes at the invitation of the sailing Club, and had an excellent (free) three-course dinner there.

The marina was just post ire, probably rebuilt now.

Worth considering, if only for the food
 
I think we have met just recently when I gave a talk at LTSC on the Portugal rally. We are likely to be bringing a boat back to the UK at about the same time from Almerimar. Sometimes winds can be kind and favourable. Two boats that returned from the Rally in 04 had SW winds for much of the time even though we all sailed down the coast to Lago with wind astern. I have heard that it is better to sail at night if the wind is on the nose provided you keep radar on to miss fishing boats without lights and pray you dont pick up any lobster pots. Might see you under way. Barracuda.
 
derek, welcome the forum !!

You spoke with SWMBO at LTSC, I was busy working for a quid or two !!

Thanks to everybody else on this thread for all the informative responses.

Am now thinking of setting off earlier in the summer and being prepared to motor sail overnight as suggested.

Azores is not a realistic option due to availability of time and the risk of getting stuck there. Even if the forecast is OK, there is still a chance of a pasting either there or back.
 
I went across Biscay to NW Spain and back from Dartmouth last year. Had SW wind going and NE coming back. Sods law. Winds seem to accelarate along N Spanish coast and round the corner but often moderate as you get offshore. The ships pass Finisterre then head straight for Ushant, so avoid that line. Going further into the Bay is an option if you want a more leisurly sail, perhaps working along to Gijon, then heading across to Audierne. La Coruna isn't a bad place to hang around waiting for a decent forecast. NW Spain is worth lingering in, a great cruising ground.

Colin
 
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