⛵ Ribeira 🇪🇸 to Illa de Arousa 🇪🇸

I departed before dawn, planning to catch good winds toward Finisterre. However, while exiting the ría, a check of the bilge revealed gear oil again - this time with a milky consistency.

I’d previously assumed the saildrive only leaked oil under excessive heel, but the milky appearance indicated water intrusion - a clear sign of seal failure. After anchoring in a protected bay, I researched nearby boatyards and found Porto O Xufre on Illa de Arousa.

The sail to the boatyard was pleasant with favorable tailwinds, though the broken saildrive now tempered the enjoyment.

Weather Conditions

• Wind: Moderate northwest winds
• Seas: Noticeable swell outside the rías, calmer inside
• Weather: Clear conditions for the passage

Navigation

• Departure: Enseada de Ribeira
• Arrival: Porto O Xufre, Illa de Arousa
• Distance: 24 nautical miles (about 44 kilometers)
• Duration: 8 hours

Navigation Notes

• The passage between islands and mainland proved quite narrow in daylight
• Interesting to see by day what I’d missed during the pre-dawn departure

Highlights

• Exceptional communication and friendliness at Porto O Xufre boatyard
• Transparent pricing and helpful service - refreshingly different from previous experiences

Photos

Hauled out for repair — Auto-generated track key: 20250513 | GPS track: 20250513.geojson