“Bay of Biscay Voyage: Sailing Odyssey

Ahoy there, mateys! Set sail with on our wild adventure through the unpredictable waters of Bay Biscay Voyage. 🌊

Day 1: Setting Sail.

Our journey began at the crack of dawn, or 8am to be precise. The crew, a motley bunch of sea enthusiasts, peered at the weather forecast. When they spotted a “weather window” (apparently, sailors have their own language), they knew it was time to kick things into high gear.

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Step 1: Wrest the outboard motor from the clutches of the tender. Check.

Step 2: Was all hands on deck to secure everything that might go rogue once we hit the waves. With everything shipshape, we chugged over to the fuel pontoon, filling our trusty vessel to the brim. And just like that, we were off!

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Around 1pm, only two hours into our aquatic escapade, we were treated to a delightful dolphin show. These finned friends followed us for a while, and I, your humble narrator, sat at the bow, sipping a cup of tea and watching their antics. It was the sort of experience that makes you feel like Poseidon’s personal guest.

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Day 2: The Great Dolphin Escape

Day two dawned with a bit of a hiccup. The wind that was supposed to be our ally decided it had other plans. So, we chugged along on the engine, taking turns on shifts and trying not to toss our cookies in the rough seas. But wait, dolphins to the rescue again! Their appearance lifted our spirits like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Apparently seeing them means good luck. (we posted some videos on our instagram)

I took on the role of culinary wizard for the evening meal, whipping up a feast of rice, chicken and some vegetables with a hint of lemon pepper. Everyone claimed to love it, but they might’ve been just a tad afraid to say otherwise. 😄

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the night watch crew prepared to take over. John and I, like two stalwart guardians of the night, assumed our positions, eyes scanning the dark expanse of water for any signs of trouble.

But what does one do during those long, quiet hours on night watch? Well, we decided to make our own fun. In the cozy glow of the boat’s helm station, we gathered around a well-worn domino set. The clacking of tiles echoed through the night as we strategized and laughed, competing for the title of “Domino Champion of the High Seas.”

You see, even in the middle of the ocean, time has a way of passing, and a simple game of dominoes can transform into an epic showdown under the star-studded sky. It was moments like these that turned our voyage into a memorable adventure, where even the mundane became a source of laughter and camaraderie. 🎲

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Day three was a sailor’s dream come true. The sun beamed down on us, the sea was as calm as a zen master, but with the perfect wind for our code zero sail, Ian’s favourite sail and we all got to enjoy luxurious showers. It felt like we’d stumbled into a postcard-worthy moment. The sails billowed, the boat glided, and I could cook without holding on for dear life. It was simply fabulous, until the wind played hard to get once again. Mother Nature has her quirks.

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Day 4: Land Ahoy!

Finally, the moment we’d been waiting for arrived. I woke up early for my watch, a sense of anticipation buzzing in the air as we approached the fishing mecca of A Coruña. The sky was painted with the soft hues of dawn, casting a golden glow over the tranquil sea.

As we drew nearer to the port, our excitement bubbled over. The sight of fishing boats and their intricate nets, spread out like constellations in the night sky, marked our entry into this vibrant Spanish city. It was as if we were navigating a celestial sea of possibilities, with the promise of new experiences and adventures on the horizon.

The sun rose higher, casting its warm embrace upon us, and we couldn’t help but feel invigorated by the change in scenery. The crew gathered on the deck, exchanging knowing glances and smiles. We were ready to explore this charming coastal gem, to savor its flavors, and to immerse ourselves in its rich culture.

The feeling of stepping onto the solid ground of A Coruña after days at sea was nothing short of exhilarating. The salty breeze, the tangy scent of the sea, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city welcomed us with open arms. It was a moment of triumph, the realisation that we had reached our first (of many) destination on our odyssey around the world.

So there we stood, eager and full of anticipation, ready to embark on a new chapter of our adventure in this beautiful corner of Spain. A Coruña, with its picturesque streets, friendly locals, and delicious seafood, awaited our exploration. Our journey had only just begun, and the excitement was palpable in the air. 🌍🇪🇸

We docked in Coruña, greeted by a glorious sunrise, warm sun, and a stark contrast to the chilly English summer. After some bureaucratic hoops to jump through (Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace), we were free to explore. But not before we turned our salty vessel into a sparkling gem. I even joked with Ian about making our own salt with the mount of salt we had on Sturdeee. Hey, why not?

The next day, our bodies ached from scrubbing, but our spirits were high. We got stamped into Spain, devoured a Spanish breakfast, and explored Coruña. And what do you do in Spain? You buy fresh fish at a fish market, of course. Our first dinner in a new country marked the beginning of our odyssey around the world. 🌍🐟

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So there you have it, the thrilling tale of our Bay Biscay voyage. If you ever find yourself in need of adventure, just remember, the sea is always calling. 🌊