ARC Portugal - Pit stop in Peniche

by World Cruising on 28 Jun 2017 At 0800 on Saturday morning the fleet left Figueira da Foz. Due to light winds the majority of the rally motored over the start line, however after about an hour of motoring a sea breeze kicked in and this stayed with the fleet all the way down to Peniche. This resulted in a great days sailing for all yachts with many of the participants claiming it to be “The best sail we’ve had”.

The small Portuguese fishing port of Peniche is spectacularly set on a headland surrounded by sea. It remains a working port and gives participants the chance to experience the Portuguese culture. Once all the rally were safely rafted up many of the participants headed in to town for an organised dinner at restaurant MiraMar where they were able to try freshly caught seafood cooked over the grill. Halfway through their supper there was an unexpected visit from the local Mayor who came to say hello and presented all the participants with a tin of Peniche Mackerel.

The streets started to crowd outside the restaurant and the Mayor explained that tonight there is a special race called Corridad Das Fogueiras which attracts 4000 runners who complete a 15k circuit around Peniche in the dark. After an eventful night the fleet returned to their yachts in preparation for their early start to Oeiras this morning.