Islas Cies

Nous faisons une approche tranquille en longeant sous voile la cote est de l’île principale des îles Cies pour bien reconnaître et apprécier les zones de mouillage. L'endroit nous plait. On abat un petit coup, hop le génois est roulé, on lofe un grand coup, hop la grand-voile tombe dans son lazybag et un plouf, la pioche est à l'eau. Fin de trajet. Deux nuits et deux journées devant cette grande plage très animées à contempler les ébats de nos congénères (vedettes et navettes en tous genres et bateaux de pêcheurs et plongeurs également en tous genres) ont comblé tous nos besoins de sociabilisation; nous mettons les bouts pour le mouillage de l’île de San Martin à deux encablures de là où nous trouvons une paix royale dans un paysage de toute beauté!

A tranquil approach from the eastern coast of the main island of Isla Cies with both the main sail and the genois still hoisted, allowing us to identify and assess the different mooring areas.  Preferring the mooring in front of the main beach despite the crowded beach and the incessant coming and going of passenger ferries between the islands and the main land, we stay 2 days and 2 nights contemplating the very animated and touristy ambience of this otherwise 'natural' reserve. Awaking the second morning to the sounds of fishing and diving boats at close proximity to Galatée, we find at least 3 boats (preparing to dive for razor shells - and they apparently leave the site with tens of kilos of these) eagerly eyeing our mooring spot.  We receive a courteous good morning greeting, indeed, but in sign language we quickly understand that they hope we would be leaving soon.

Thus we find ourselves moving our mooring to the southern island - Isla San Martin, where we finally manage to appreciate the contrasting peace and tranquility of these beautiful islands. With the morning mist clearing by mid-day, we plunge into the waters (not too clear though) for our very first snorkel to and from the beach...with the water temperature at 17 degrees celsius!