Santander is a fine harbour and city indeed, but not very friendly to yachtsmen it has to be said.

I would have explored up the river rather than spend another night in that marina, but as it turned out, on the afternoon of the 26th April, a fair NE wind gave us a good start heading west again. Then in the evening it fell light, while the swell shook what little breeze there was from our sails. A couple of hours of that and one is wishing for a good honest gale again! However, pilot whales showed up in strength to distract us from our misery, and in the early hours the wind began to freshen again, SW at first, so that I headed out to sea on the port tack, anticipating that it would veer. It did too, so that we were nearly able to lay Gijon on the other tack eventually. One short tack, and we had it at last.

I'd hate to see that entrance in a real northerly or north-easterly storm; but I imagine one could still find good shelter amidst the grotty industrial installations of the Puerto del Musel across the bay. I doubt you may have to do without chipirones though, and having your delicious mouthfuls of sidra brought to life for you by a waiter, holding the bottle as high as he can in one hand, and the glass as low as possible in the other.

Now Brother Anthony from Glenstal has joined us, and we're hoping he can pull some good weather for our onward journey west! But Mary-Emma has at least made some delicious strawberry jam. Incredible, these Spanish strawberries!