We set off from Figueroa da Foz with a mist which soon became a thick fog out at sea. This is the third day in a row of poor visibility. However it was improved our daily dolphin visitors. Sailing in fog is miserable at best, nothing to see and having to keep a sharp lookout for other boats which may emerge and not show up on the radar. This coast is full of lobster pots which can snag the unwary propellor or keel, spotting them in the dark or thick fog is doubly difficult. Slowly the visibility improved but we had no wind all day. We had read about Nazare in the pilot book with the English marina husband and wife team. However when we turned up there was no one about and confusion reigned. A sign told us to go to the security guard at the entrance to the port but he did not have what he called the suitcase and directed me back to the closed marina office. Eventually it found somebody who helped. The police the turned up to inspect passports and boat papers. It is always interesting answering questions such as hull type, number of masts, pets on board, engine size etc when you do not speak the same language! The next morning the marina office opened but not sign of the English couple and another tricky Portuguese language session saw the paperwork complete for the sum of €22. The whole place was very run down but did have good wifi when you managed to get on to it.

The Portuguese and many Spanish marina have a key system. You are given a key for the pontoons and showers for a 20 to 50 euro deposit. However this means all the crew need to synchronise showering and leaving the boat wasting time in the mornings and giving back the keys involves somebody waiting by the gate to ensure you can get back to the boat!