CASCAIS
This coastal resort town is best known for sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and history. The town boasts the royal Citadel Palace, and a hotel that hosted some of the real-life characters behind James Bond. Cascais is just 30 minutes by train or car from Lisbon, and 20 minutes from the royal hilltop village of Sintra.
Cascais Marina is in the historic old town, just 5 minutes’ walk from the beach. Overlooked by the city’s fort, the marina has several cafés, restaurants, bars and shops. It regularly hosts international sailing events, such as the Americas Cup, and sailing royalty from Spain, Greece, and Norway.
A scenic walkway extends for 10Km in one direction to the beach at Guincho, and on to Cabo da Roca and the Sintra hills, and for 5Km in the opposite direction to Estoril.
The Marina has a launderette and paid secure parking. Cascais train station is 15 minutes on foot, or 5 minutes by taxi, and Cascais offers a bike rental service.
MADRUGADA IV
Madrugada (or Dawn) IV is what we call a sailing cruiser. She was designed for space and comfort, not speed, but could go pretty much anywhere. She can sleep 8, but we cap reservations at 6.
Dufour built this model, the Classic, in 1998. She is 45 feet, or about 14 meters, long, which by sailing standards is big. She has 4 cabins, 2 bathrooms (one with a hot-water shower) and a big salon.
One double cabin is at the bow (front!), the cabin with two bunks is at starboard (right-hand side of the boat when you’re looking forwards), and two double cabins are astern (yes, at the rear). Each double cabin has a closet for hanging clothes, handy reading lights, and curtains. The center of Madrugada is a large salon, with a dining table, a large U-shaped couch, and a fully equipped kitchen (we call it a galley).
Above deck, there are teak seats, comfy cushions, a table and a bimini (sunshade) for you to enjoy breakfast, dinner or a cocktail.
Other amenities:
• Wi-fi
• TV with local channels and an HDMI cable
• Radio (with CD and USB)
• Fridge
• Microwave
• Electric hob
• 220V and USB outlets
• Heating