When we planned our trip, at least the route down to the start of the Christmas Caribbean Rally, we had booked a trip back to the UK in October. We had also arranged for Amanda's mum to come and join us for a week in Lisbon. So we we knew we'd be in Marina Parque das Naçoes for around a month.

We had a good time back on the UK catching up with friends and family. We even managed a Christmas dinner for those would not be with us in the Atlantic on the day. We had also been acquiring a growing mound of bits to bring back to the boat.

Gill seemed to have a good time in Lisbon, and we met up with Simon and Jenny again over at Cascais on a trip by train. Gill and Amanda did some tourist bits whilst I got on with a few boat jobs. We also visited the Aquarium which was very impressive.

All too soon Gill had returned home and we were back to waiting for weather and Robert, a good friend of ours who had offered to help us sail down to Morocco. Various complications gave us quite a small window but miracle of miracles, things looked to be working out on the weather front. Of course it was a real shame that Pauline couldn't join us as originally planned.

We decided to hop down to Cascais for a night prior to our off. Partly because the tides would make it easier to leave when we wanted, but also because of the crazy charging scheme used by Marina Parque das Naçoes. Rather than charge at the monthly rate for our whole stay, they charge at full months, weeks or days. So we ended up paying €800 for a month and €150 for 3 nights. Stupid us. Should have moved sooner!

We left around mid-tide with the tide falling. It was a little exiting getting through the gate, but we managed it with inches to spare. The run down the river was under motor as the tide was so fast it reduced the apparent wind to nothing. Once we bounced over the shallows at the out we could unroll some genoa and drift downwind to Cascais where we fuelled and berthed for the night. A final check on the weather showed that to we'd be leaving next day for Morocco, so Robert booked his flight back from there to Lisbon. We ran hot the lifelines and generally got the boat ready for a long passage. Amanda headed to the store for last minute fresh fruit and veg and Simon and Jenny kindly collected her. We all headed for a last dinner in mainland Portugal.

It had been a great stay in the Lisbon area and much thanks to Simon and Jenny for all their helpful hints and tips.

We retired early and planned a 7am getaway to try and get as far south as we could before the wind disappeared... Exciting times ahead!