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“THE NAVIGATORS - 37º06’ N, 008º40’W”
Yachtsmen visit Lagos for a number of reasons - while on passage to the Mediterranean or Caribbean, to over-winter for a 9-month rest and recuperation, or to use the Algarve as a splendid sailing base, within easy reach of the rest of Portugal, as well as the UK and all parts of Europe. Visitors will be interested in an initiative by Bob Little and his wife Rose, on yacht "Trilogy", based in Berth F22, Marina de Lagos.
Like most cruisers, Bob and Rose have experienced the fun and frustrations of arriving in a  strange port:-
Where are the best meat, fish, fruit and vegetable markets?
Who can fix my fridge/radar/engine/sprayhood/pulpit?
Where can I get 120grit sandpaper for my Black & Decker sander?
How can I get to the airport for a 0615 flight?
Do I really have to pay Portuguese Boat Tax?
What about the shops and, especially, the restaurants - exotic, cheap and cheerful, or truly ethnic?
YES, this can be a lot of the fun of visiting a new destination - but why re-invent the wheel? The fun wears off and it can even get a bit tedious after the ninth port visited on a trip down the Portuguese coast.
YES, there is a lot of information in the cruising guides and pilots - but things change very quickly and reprints are neither frequent nor cheap to buy.
AND YES, home-based s try to provide this sort of information, advice and help to their members. But not every-one is a  member of a , and not many s can help, with this sort of detail, this far from home.
So Bob started "The Navigators' - 37º06'N 008º40'W", to provide a local forum for yacht skippers, their partners and crew to meet, share views and experiences, and exchange information in a convivial setting. You can even exchange charts, pilots or equipment as appropriate! Baltic charts for the Caribbean set? “Atlantic Crossing Guide” for the “Tidal Stream Atlas of UK”? Eberspacher heater for a water maker? It's up to you!
Bob has also arranged for a number of the local, independent tradesmen to attend the sessions and give talks on their specialism. To date we've learned about Galvanic Corrosion; Multi-meters; Refrigeration; Propellers and even had a discussion on the beloved Boat Tax! But it's not all serious, either. Eighty members attended a great talk by Al Melling on Formula 1 car racing - and plans for this winter include a whisky-tasting and a nautical quiz night. 
So what is the "convivial setting" for these gatherings? Bob has arranged the use of “FLINTSTONES” restaurant in the newly opened "Jardin das Dunas" Health & Leisure Centre, every Wednesday evening. Just 5 minutes walk from the marina, along the Meia Praia road, it has everything any could want - full bar facilities, snack meals and an excellent á la carte menu. And they provide A.V. facilities for the speakers, too.
The ’s daytime activities may include walking tours and even beach aerobics – if there’s a desire to get fit after the winter lay-up! The members are not into “Round-the-Cans” racing - for most it's their home they'd be putting on the line, - but recently 12 yachts held a "Cruise In Company - With A Competitive Edge" to Portimão and back!
Best of all, this is a for non- joining people. You don´t even have to be “estrangeiros” to join. We already have a number of local members, and non-boat owners will be welcome too! Anyone can ask any questions, or contribute any views, ideas or skill they wish to share. You can't join or be expelled - you just turn up, say "Hello" and take part. (Even Groucho Marx would feel happy here! Remember him? “I wouldn’t want to be a member of a that has people like me in it!”) There are NO joining fees, no subscriptions, no membership lists, and no decisions. So there are no committee members and no officers, either - except Bob, who  enjoys doing all the work.
Bob has, however, arranged for the support of one of the Yacht Service Companies - Wonder Yachts - who provide local information and special offers, as well as helping Bob with free administration facilities. They’ve also gifted some small prizes for any competitions that are organised.
Does that tempt you? Come to Lagos (Waypoint 37º06' N, 008º40'W) and join the fun. Easier still, come to Jardin das Dunas at 7:30, any Wednesday evening. It’s a great way to really meet and get to know more people in the marina or anchorage, than just the 2 or 3 boats berthed near-by.
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