Day 6, 12.10.2018, Atlantic off Portugal, 

Leixoes, Porto has had to be abandoned as a destination. The port is closed. There was a nasty storm last night as we came around Finisterre. 60 knot winds at times, maybe Beaufort 10 or even 11. It shook up the beer in the fridge let me tell you.

Leixoes is a port I have been to before so no big deal. Ian Jack and I anchored Graptolite in the harbour 11th September 2007. Ian had settled in Germany after his time in the army and rattled off some greetings to some German-flagged neighbours. I was impressed by the cosmopolitanism of it all. I had no idea then that I would also live in Germany.

Another day at sea. Heading south with our next landfall in the lap of the weather gods.

There is talk of going in to Lisbon. We have been to Lisbon many times before but I, for one,  can never get enough of the pastéis de nata. The weather is likely to complicate our route to the Cape Verdes.

Day 7, 13.10.2018, Atlantic NE of Madeira, 

Lisbon didn’t happen as the port was full. We headed towards Las Palmas overnight but now Funchal beckons as per schedule. It’s still a bit rough out there but sunny. We arrive tomorrow.

I now provide English tutoring for the ship’s officers. Keeps me off the streets.