Crossing Biscay. Farewell Portishead, Saturday June 8th.

Biscay has a somewhat fearful reputation, and as the crossing from Portishead to La Coruna is almost twice the longest non-stop voyage we’ve achieved with Eas Mhor, and nearly three times the distance we’ve ever sailed as just a couple , we were glad to have Anna and Bones on board, a decade younger, and with some five times our experience, including many Atlantic crossings. 

A strong, well-maintained boat, and an experienced crew were important.  And so also was the weather.  A ridge of high pressure was extending from the Azores to near Ireland and a low pressure zone sitting over Norway, which together promised settled favourable winds in the arc from West through to North for up to five days, our planned minimum journey time.   

To our surprise and delight, Martin and Lyn met us as we locked out of Portishead.  It was great to be waved off by friends, and as we packed away fenders and mooring lines, not expected to be needed until Thursday, our friend’s words echoed, that they would be tracking us and looking for our arrival in Spain.  We locked out at 9.45 am.

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