Ryan’s Take:
We really liked our time in San Sebastían, and the connection we felt to Mum’s roots (even though we don’t speak a word of Spanish yet!).
But we hoisted the sails and pointed La Sirena westward. Back after the wake we was making plans and decided we wouldn’t stop in San Sebastián. We’d go all the way round to Barcelona (and a stop off or two in Ibizia).
The sea was calm entering into Bilabo, the wind light but steady. La Sirena glided effortlessly through the waves. It felt almost too good to be true.
Liam took the helm while I checked the charts and our AIS (Automatic Identification System) for nearby vessels. Traffic was light, with only a handful of fishing boats dotting the horizon.
Everything running smoothly, adjusting the sails now and then, but mostly just enjoying the ride.
Liam’s Take:
Sailing that morning was like something out of a postcard. The water sparkled, the breeze just cool enough to be refreshing. Even Ryan seemed relaxed for once.
I grabbed my camera to snap a few shots of the coastline and the mountains before getting the lunch.
Before we left San Sebastián, we stocked up on fresh veggies at the local market: ripe tomatoes, basil, a wedge of “Idiazabal” cheese. I turned them into a simple galley meal—bruschetta.
Cooking on a boat is a bit of an adventure. The galley isn’t spacious, and every movement feels difficult when the boat is underway. Still, with a bit of balancing and some creative knife work, I whipped up a plate of crispy bread topped with the tomato-basil mixture.
The finishing touch? A drizzle of olive oil we’d picked up in the Old Town.
We ate on deck, with the sun on our faces and the sound of the waves as our backdrop. It felt like nothing could go wrong.
Ryan’s Take:
Of course, the ocean likes to remind you who’s in charge.
By mid-afternoon, the wind started to pick up to a steady 18 knots. La Sirena heeled slightly, cutting through the water with purpose.
Then the swells began to grow. Small waves became larger, steeper, and unpredictable. It wasn’t nothing we couldn’t handle, but it was constant attention. I reefed the mainsail to reduce our sail area and keep the boat balanced while Liam stowed anything loose below deck.
The conditions were uncomfortable. The boat rolled and pitched in the swells, and every movement felt like a workout. Conversations reduced to shouted updates: “Watch the gusts!” “Keep an eye on that trawler!”
Liam’s Take:
Alright…we all know I’m the weaker one. I might have chucked up on the sail to Bilbao!
“You good?” he shouted over the wind.
“Define ‘good,’” I shot back, gripping the handrail.
Bilbao welcomed us with open arms—or at least, that’s how it felt when when I stepped onto solid ground.
We’ll explore Bilbao tomorrow. But for now, it’s time for a rest.
Until next time,
Ryan & Liam
The Ocean Bois
