Total Distance : 181.60 nautical miles
Average Speed : 6.61 knots
Time Enroute : 27.28 hours
We had planned our next leg well but even with the best planning, surprises are part of life at sea. Just as we finished the first night’s passage, David discovered that the water pump had leaked oil, an alarming issue that had the potential to become a bigger problem. We decided it was best to make a beeline to shore and stop for a thorough check. We secured a berth at Portimão Marina, the closest port from our position.
Marina de Portimão (📍37°07′42″ N, 8°31′29″ W) turned out to be our best call for many reasons. A few stops along the Portuguese coast initially in the plan, but then we decided to head straight to Galicia, mainly due to delays early in the journey. Still, our overnight cruise from Gibraltar to Portimão gave us just what we needed: some good rest and time to reset and plan the next stretch. But before hitting the road again, Anna had to be in top form.
We checked into Portimão Marina on the afternoon of June 11, unsure how long it would take to get Anna ready again. So, while ordering and waiting for a new water pump, we also took some time to explore and learn more about this intriguing destination.
Portimão is the second-largest city in the Algarve, beautifully positioned at the mouth of the Arade River, where it meets the Atlantic. Known as one of Portugal’s safest harbours, it’s naturally sheltered from prevailing winds and framed by the historic Santa Catarina and São João forts.
The marina itself spans approximately 25 hectares, offering 620 berths for vessels up to 50 meters LOA with a maximum draft of 5 meters. Full-service, secure, and welcoming, it was a great spot to get our repair work done.
While we eagerly awaited the delivery of the water pump which was delayed as expected, David proposed that Martin and Ivy take the opportunity to explore nearby cities. Without hesitation, they packed their bags and set off on short side trips to Lagos and Lisbon for a few days. Back at the marina, David stayed on board following up on the delivery of our pump. And we also got some great news — Mikel was confirmed to join the journey on June 18th.
Lagos, Portugal is a historic and picturesque coastal city in the Algarve, known for its maritime legacy, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere. Located at the mouth of the Bensafrim River, about 90 km from Faro, it features the modern Marina de Lagos, a charming old town with forts and cobbled streets, and natural wonders like the Ponta da Piedade cliffs and iconic beaches. Once a vital port during the Age of Discovery, Lagos today offers a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle with excellent seafood and summer nightlife. Best visited in spring or early autumn, it appeals to both sailors and travelers seeking culture and coast.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant, historic city known for its scenic hills, colorful neighborhoods, and rich maritime heritage. It’s one of Europe’s oldest capitals, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The old-world gem and energetic city is perched on the Tagus River near the Atlantic. Some of the highlights and must see / do like the old meets new, from ancient Alfama and Bairro Alto to modern Parque das Nações. The Iconic Tram 28 that connects the city’s historic districts. A few landmarks not to be missed are the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Praça do Comércio. Lisbon is a city of contrasts with rich culture, steeped in history yet buzzing with energy. Its coastal charm, cultural depth, ocean views, and welcoming spirit make it one of Europe’s most captivating capital cities.
We were happy to see Mikel back on board on June 18, and finally the eagerly anticipated new water pump had also found its way to Anna. But, surprise, surprise – the pump didn’t have the familiar white paint color for marinized parts but came in a green outfit, a clear sign that it was meant for agricultural engines. It turns out that both the marine and agricultural pump have the same SKU and the dealer needs to select the one for the correct application. To make matters worse, the tractor pump has an extra outlet to feed a heater in the cab which of course was not needed on Anna. Instead of returning the pump and waiting another week for the correct one we decided to get the extra outlet closed off at a nearby machine shop. A few more hours of sweat in the engine room and the new pump was in place and put into commission. Et voila! A green tractor water pump on a white John Deere marine engine doing its job perfectly well.
Before our departure we managed to squeeze in visits to several stunning sights around Portimão, including the iconic Farol da Ponta da Piedade (Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse), the expansive Praia da Rocha, and the dramatic rock formations of Praia dos Três Irmãos, each offering a different glimpse of the Algarve’s wild coastal charm.
