Finisterre and the Ria’s

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Vigorous downwind sailing up to a force 7 past Finisterre meant we got to Ria Muros quite quickly. It's actually quite heartening how well overall rainmaker is sailing and what a pleasure it is to sail.

With Pete at the helm we got up to over 10 knots at one point as we surfed on the back of a wave. In celebration we got the beach boys on in the cockpit and felt compelled to have a bit of a dance.

Over the next couple of days we had more downwind sailing in lighter winds leaving the rocky and rugged coastline for one that is sprinkled with sandy beaches and small islands amongst the beautiful Ria’s. We visited a number of Ria’s and islands that sit in them. San Vincente was immaculate in its presentation and upkeep. There appears to be quite a lot of wealth in this part of the country displayed in the detail, with few tourists and apparently none other than Spanish (with the exception of those of visiting yachts. It definitely feels like a secret held by the Spanish for the Spanish. The sailing is spectacular, varied and magnificent coastline with lots of places to explore amongst the Ria’s.

We anchored off Isla de Ons and went for a quick dip in the sea before heading for a walk across the island that is a Spanish national park. We stopped at the landing station where the ferries come into from Bayona and other towns, had a couple of drinks and then went back to the nudist beach via the lighthouse. John and Pete made a valiant attempt of trying to work out French boules on a sloping beach. It was a bumpy night spent at anchor here. We received less than friendly scowls from a passing customs boat that motored over to us and peer surly at us and the boat.

The morning after we were heading to Bayona and decided to stop and anchor for lunch at Isla de Cies, another island in its own archipelago. I’m not sure how many times I can use the work idyllic, I’m sure it already sounds tiresome in its use here, but this bit of coast has made for some excellent sights and feels very much otherworldly with the sights of these islands looking like something from Jurassic park. If you’re reading this and you’ve not had the opportunity to explore this part of the world, it comes with a hearty recommendation.

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Photos

In the Ria's
Isla de Cies