17/07/12 - Lord Nelson

We have had a cracking 24 hours of sailing; a Force 6 on the beam, sun on our faces and clear, star-filled skies at night. We duly arrived in Leixoes yesterday afternoon. Shore leave was enjoyed by all, including a group of the PC and our Madeiran Voyage Crew who went into Porto and enjoyed a meal down by the River Douro, overlooking the port houses. Chilled white port as an aperitif obligatory, of course. Today it's 36 degrees C, the wind is hairdryer hot, the skies a clear azul and everyone, except me, Cadet Aled, Cookie Derek, Chipp's and Jenny, the Chief Engineer, has headed to the beach or into Porto. All crew are due back aboard by 17:30, ready for a 19:00 departure. Our destination, Lisbon, is downwind, so we anticipate another fantastic sail in the sun. Lesley, Second Mate.