Espana 8

 

Stargazer enjoys the best of all worlds. A clear view of golden sands, and the ability to row in for a cooling dip, by day.

With shelter of the breakwater, from the ever present heave of the Biscay swell, by night. (When the breeze falls still, often causing a moored or anchored boat to lie across the waves, creating pendulum rolling).

 Judging by the arc of their anchor lights, a luxury not enjoyed by the red French yacht (too large for the moorings) anchored off the beach. 

We have enrolled as temporary members of the Real Club Nautico Castro Urdiales. Who manage the buoys and provide a water taxi, which seems to operate more on ESP than VHF: appearing whenever required. 

The modern clubhouse stands, on pilings, at the seaward end of town. As if eager to be afloat. Its roof styled after the manner of an alighting gull, in the act of folding its wings.

A wide, florally decked boulevard leads, into town, . . . . .

. . . . . .past neatly kept apartments, with street restaurants or financial institutions below, . . . . .

. . . . . .culminating in the, original, drying, inner harbour. The basis of the town's fortunes. A twelfth century hub for trade between northern Europe and Castile.

When the shaded arcades, and richly patterned flags, of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento would have been thronged by the merchants of many nations, and their wares.

The Real Club Nautico Castro Urdiales too has a long history. Reflected in the grandeur of its cool, dark, walnut paneled rooms, hung about with portraits, half models of racing yachts and much polished brasswork. But it lives very much in the present and future.

The youth Sailing School is active. Often to the accompaniment of community song. The smiles and greetings, from club members, warm. With enthusiastic waves, to Stargazer, from passing crews putting to sea.