Last Stop in Portugal - Vilamoura

Top speed for us!

After five enjoyable days in Cascais, the forecast looked good to continue sailing south.  This was a great sail with a very fast passage overnight with strong following wind and 5-7m swells, the boat was running fast 8-9kts with the top speed of 12.9kts at one stage (this is fast for us)! These conditions allowed us to 'pole out' the genoa (sail at the front of the boat) to make the most of the 

running with the wind behind us.

Geona poled out

In the morning, once we rounded the SW corner of Portugal, we sailed into smooth water and a warm sunrise and a nice offshore breeze  - it was a great run along the South of coast of Portugal at 6-8kts in prefect conditions.  




We decided to extend an additional few miles and get to Vilamoura which has good facilities. This marina has 1300 berths and is surrounded by apartments all designed for tourists.  Almost feels like the viaduct basin but larger with all the restaurants and bars built around the marina. Though it is all very nice we prefer the more authentic local marina's.  

Sunset in the marina

Vilamoura has a beautiful coastline and long sandy beaches which would be the attraction in summer.  Again it is a real bonus being out of season with most places almost deserted, plus the marina prices are in the low season which makes it much more affordable waiting for the weather window.  In sharp contrast to the local villages there appears a plethora of Porsche, Maserati, Merc, and BMW vehicles in the marina to keep up appearances (what economic crises)! 


   

I love this quote - outside a local Thai Restaurant

While Portugal has a VAT (same as NZ GST) at 23% it is interesting to note that tax is applied at different rates depending on the food type.  For example, 6% for fruit/vege and milk and 13% for wine. One could easily become a caffeine addict given the local cafe prices for 2 x coffees and a doughnut is only €2.25. 

We are now ready to depart on our last overnight passage planned to Cadiz in Spain.  After that it is a relatively short day passage to Gibraltar where we plan to remain a while.  It's ironic, after being delayed for weeks by strong winds we are now beset by no wind at all. 

Sunset on Vilamoura beach