ARC Portugal sailing south to Figueira da Foz and Nazare
by World Cruising Club 24 Jun 2023 02:07 UTC
ARC Portugal 2023 © World Cruising Club
The ARC Portugal Fleet's last day in Figueira da Foz began with a guided tour of the town. Participants were interested to learn more about the history and culture of the area. At the market, participants discovered the importance of salinas in the area, which produced salt used in the preservation of cod, a speciality of Figueira da Foz & Portugal.
Walking inside the Coliseu Figueirense da Figueira da Foz, built in 1895, participants learned that the colourful arena was used for bull fighting during July and August, and for music and other spectacles during the year. Later that day, intermittent rain didn't prevent participants enjoying the prize-giving on their last evening in Figueira. A fine spread of local food and wine was laid on by the Clube Nautico da Figueira da Foz and prizes were awarded, helped by the commodore, Miguel Amarel.
Leg 4 had a leisurely start at 10.30 on Tuesday, with there being only 35nm from Figueira da Foz to Nazare. Marina staff gave participants a wonderful welcome and were keen to show off the marina's new facilities. With all boats dressed, it provided a colourful display across the marina in the afternoon sun. Participants had the day to explore the picturesque town of Nazare, which is known for its spectacular surfing waves in Winter, due to the deep underwater canyon close to the coast. Welcome drinks and Leg 4 prize-giving took place at lunchtime, just a short walk from the marina. As there had been very little wind on this leg, a special prize was awarded to Sayonara, who had the least motoring hours and managed to sail the most. After prize-giving, crews enjoyed a three-course meal together, before continuing to explore the beach and surrounding area.
On Thursday, crews had an early start to Leg 5, sailing 75nm from Nazare to Oeiras. A steady northerly wind, forecast some exhilarating downwind sailing for this leg. On arrival in Oeiras, crews were pleased to report that this was certainly the case for the latter stages of the leg. Participants are now enjoying the increasingly warm and sunny weather and looking forward to joining in the festivities 'os Santos Populares' and exploring Oeiras and nearby Lisbon over the next few days.