Douro4sailing

Unusual setting something different

Was just a bit Too small and claustrophobic for me

The boat is 31 foot, and has a large external cockpit area under canvas. In sunny weather, the sides can be raised to provide a lovely comfortable social area. Even in poor weather, the stern canvas wall can be raised to provide a very pleasant spot for a drink - the marina staff kindly brought them down. The boat is on an inside berth in the marina, so that if, as was the case for us, there are large boats on the outside berth, there is not much sea to be seen. Inside is a saloon cabin, which can be used for eating, or converted to a bed (the "second bedroom"). Off the saloon, there is a separate toilet/shower, and the separate sleeping cabin. All are comfortable, but limited in height and space, especially the sleeping cabin. The mattress and pillows are hard. You need to be reasonably agile to get into the sleeping cabin, and to move around the toilet section. There is a coffee machine in the saloon, and a microwave, but no other cooking facilities. We had no hot water. The prepaid 2 course supper was kindly delivered, precooked, but in the process of delivery, the chips had lost their crispness. Food was otherwise OK. We provided our own wine. Overnight, there was singing and music from the marina, till after midnight, and there were the usual noises of boats and people moving. Breakfast was not served on the boat, but was available in the marina. Check in was remote, and not simple. You follow Google directions to the marina, not well signed, past the (closed) print museum, and there is a barrier next to a fishing shop. Just inside the barrier, attached to the fence, is a small box/Keysafe, opened with a code supplied by the owner. Unfortunately the key card was not inside when we opened the box, making things yet more complicated. We were never told why the card was missing. We were helped by the owner contacting an employee of the marina to let us and our car, into the marina. Overall, it was a fun experience.

Problems with checkin. Limited views. Mediocre food. Breakfast off the boat. Cramped space.