Thursday 14th August, San Vicente

Thursday, at the unusual early hour of 11am, we left the anchorage at Ribeira and got buzzed by the fire fighting plane (see previous blog). Within 5 minutes I had put a fleece on as 3 brass monkeys jet skied past the back of the boat – tea shirts and shorts were a little chilly. Looks like we are in for a cold spell of weather despite the sun and blue sky.

The swell from the previous day was forecast to have subsided so it definitely was time to get out this Ria. Plan A today was yesterdays Plan B. Yesterday’s plan C was still stuck to the map of the world (need to read yesterdays blog –see). We had no plan Z. Loosely translating that lot for those of you who are not in first gear yet was we were heading for San Vicente (or Pedras Negras – as it is also called). The pilot book describes it as a small club marina with a good anchorage nearby. The YBW forum had come up with a number of recommendations for the place but with the advice that there was not a lot there – a place to chill.

We picked our way through the rocks, between red and green cans but no sign of a south cardinal that was meant to be marking a strategically placed set of rocks. Piece of p…. with our E120. Given the swell we decided for an easy life and headed for the small marina.

I did the usual of calling on channel 9 expecting no response but not only did someone come back to me but also asked the length of the boat in English. The marinier came out in his boat, directed us in and helped tie us up. Now I like to tie it up my way so thanked him and off he went. Later on we saw him help 2 boats in which must have been permanent residents and not only did he help them in but also did all of their ropes while the crew sipped their G+Ts.

One thing that struck us was this is the first time we have seen the mariniers wearing life jackets – and when we went to the office to register, the one who had brought us in appeared, soaking wet from head to foot – trying to dry out his mobile phone (no chance) and radio. Surely too early for a late afternoon swim.

The showers/toilets are pretty limited but a really nice club bar / restaurant (but only on the ground floor). One nice thing about these short mid-day sails and the local custom of the big meal of the day between 2-4pm is that it’s perfect timing for a nice meal. This one didn’t disappoint. The service was the best we have had in Spain. Well done guys. After eating we had a good explore – as described only a small supermercado and a few bars but the best beaches we have seen yet. Lots of Sulidae but Pam wouldn’t let me photograph them for Rob.

 We had an hour back on the boat doing more cleaning as we had reverse parked the boat (unusually) and could see just how dirty the back end was. While carrying out this chore, I managed to squash my little finger and Pam stubbed her little toe. Our first major injuries of the trip. I will let you know if they were fatal tomorrow. They both seemed so at the time.

Critically wounded we had to retreat to the club bar fro the evening (any excuse). By the way, an Estrella and a Rioja here is 3 Euros equaling the club nautico Vilagarcia (no, I am not starting the cheapest round of drinks in the world ….. I already have). So no clear winner yet. It certainly will not be an Irish bar.

 This place is definitely up with the best – but Kilmore Quay don’t get worried yet – your craic was the best (as we can’t understand it here). If you are passing here it is a “must stop” place.

Tomorrow (Friday) we are off to complete our trip into the Ria de Pontevedra and as rain is forecast for the weekend we are heading for the marina in Sanxenxo. I think it is a hard 10 mile sail so that’s about a five hour drift them.