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Spain - White Lady To La Coruna  Part 2/2 Deep sea adventurer and HotRIBster, Richard Rumney recounts an interesting voyage

Main square in Gijon beside our hotel

...and that our entrance had been quite spectacular. After staying in La Coruna for two days we decided that it was time to take to the water again. On a bright sunny morning we fuelled and then set off on our Easterly course to the Harbour of Ribadeo. The trip was in a moderate sea although we kept a good speed of 25 knots. There were several very large waves, which required good throttle control, but it was a pleasant trip. We arrived at approximately 1400 hrs after a distance

of 98nm. The usual work was carried out after which we took our bags up the hill and into the town. A pleasant little town with square where we were directed to a satisfactory hotel in which we stayed for the night. We returned to the harbour at 1645 hrs to meet Customs where it took some 15 minutes to carry out the necessary paperwork. Despite the fact that we had only travelled from La Coruna (Spain) to Ribadeo (Spain) the paperwork has to be completed.

Next morning we set off for the 73nm to Gijon. This time we made sure that we were berthed between British yachts which would reduce the risk of theft. The same Customs procedure and the same hotel had rooms and another good night was had. We paid harbour dues the following morning and then set off for the city of Santander. The trip of some 99nm was in sunshine, fairly lively but without incident. The approach from the North is quite spectacular, passing between the Isla de Mouro and the Peninsula de la Magdalena on which stands the former Royal Palace, now a university. The channel is well buoyed although very busy, but care is required to avoid the sandbank when entering the Marina del Cantabrico.

The city is some distance from the marina so after the daily work on the boat had been carried out a taxi was the best option. A good hotel was found for the two nights, and once changed we went on a tour. We were made welcome at the Real Club Maritimo de Santander and enjoyed a short stay overlooking the water. We changed some money and found a good restaurant. Our two-day stay was over all too soon so we set off on the short trip to Bilbao.We had a good run with some pretty large seas but soon were in the shelter of the harbour and the marina at the Real Club Maritimo del Abra. Our

trailer and Land Rover had been taken care of and all that was needed was to get the boat onto the trailer and stow all the loose gear. Everybody was extremely friendly and helpful and I would recommend the club as a starting off point for Northern Spain cruising. Trailer locks are great but when the give trouble away form you home port it can be a disaster. After 15 minutes I decided that there was nothing to loose by hammering the key into the lock. It worked and to ensure that the key was not removed it was taped in. From this point on it was only a case of getting to the ferry terminal and back to

Portsmouth. Where a new trailer hitch was fitted and an engine service carried out. I have the advantage of living in one of the most scenic parts of the West Coast of Scotland - Fort William. I have seven years of experience with RIBs, cruising in many parts of the UK and Europe. Day return trips from the Solent to the Channel Islands, cruise around Northern Spain and last year I went on the Round Britain RIB Raid (with the only woman) as a shake down cruise for my trip from the Hamble River to Alecate via Gibraltar. My last RIB was a Ribtec 8.50m set up for long range cruising with a Yamaha 420 STI Diesel but I am without a RIB at this time, being undecided in what to get. I have ICC, Advanced Powerboat and Instructor qualification and some 40 years sailing experience. I would welcome the chance to join a cruise in other parts or the world.

Richard Rumney.