Ryan’s Take:
Leaving Bilbao behind, we set sail for A Coruña. It was a longer passage that would take us deeper into the Atlantic swell and test both our endurance and La Sirena’s systems.
The first few hours were smooth, with a gentle northeasterly wind filling our sails and the coastline of the Basque Country gradually fading into the horizon.
This leg of the journey also gave us a chance to appreciate just how crucial solar power has become aboard La Sirena.
Running a boat for days at sea requires careful energy management—navigational instruments, autopilot, radios and even our refrigeration system all draw power.
Traditionally, as the older guys told me, this meant relying on engine alternators or noisy, fuel-consuming generators. But we’re pretty lucky I guess. I did get a few comments about being “feckless” sailors but I wouldn’t change it.
For La Sirena, we installed a flexible 300W solar panel array mounted on the stern arch, feeding into a lithium battery bank using an MPPT charge controller.
This means we have a steady flow of electricity.
But installation isn’t as simple as bolting panels onto the deck. Things like salt, the angle of the sun, and space make it difficult. That’s why we’re actually thinking of upgrading the system when we reach the Costa del Sol – I’ve been recommended an Irish electrician, Adam, who is a solar panel installer based in Marbella. I already spoke to him and he thinks he can find a way to safely wire another panel onto the system.
Liam’s Take:
Ryan loves looking his solar controller manuals. But I was more focused on the swell—I can’t read or do anything when the boat is moving.
The Atlantic is such a powerful thing, it reminds you who’s in charge. As the wind increased, so did the waves turn into choppy rollers that had me gripping the rails a little tighter.
Cooking was a challenge.
I’d planned to make something ambitious—maybe seafood pasta with the fresh fish from Bilbao—but after a few failed attempts to keep a pot balanced on the gimbal stove, I settled for something a little simpler: chorizo, cheese, crusty bread and some olives we picked up at the market. When the sea throws its worst at you, you adjust.
But then came something amazing.
Dolphins.
I think it’s called a pod of them when they come altogether jumping and through the waves?
It was great craic.
Just as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, they appeared alongside us, weaving through the waves. That’s one for the memories.
Ryan’s Take:
By early morning, we spotted the Tower of Hercules. Apparently it’s A Coruña’s ancient Roman lighthouse. I’m not too hot on history but I was glad to know we were in to Galicia.
It was a relief to reach the harbour.
Awaiting us on the dock were Eoin and Ciara, our old school friends from Dublin, grinning as we stepped onto solid ground. The next few days would be spent catching up, exploring the city, and, of course, making the most of the local seafood.
But first—showers, real food, and a night’s sleep that didn’t involve waves.
Liam’s Take:
Galicia—what a place to pause and recharge. It’s also a reminder of why we’re doing this—not just for the sailing, but for the people, the stories, and the connections we’re making along the way.
Next up: exploring A Coruña, revisiting old friendships, and preparing for the next leg of our journey. But for now, a beer, a sunset, and the satisfaction of another passage safely completed.
Until next time,
Ryan & Liam
The Ocean Bois
