Under a full moon, we motor-sailed for a few hours, then were able to sail the rest. However the winds kicked in a little too much, and when the waves built, they came at us at the uncomfortable angle on port quarter, rolling and rocking us a lot while double reefed.
The coastline again presented us with a variety of textured vertical cliffs spotted with homes of typical Mediterranean architecture. Cliffs were occasionally interrupted with coves and bays, a few with sandy beaches.
We found it difficult to find a suitable anchorage and skirted in and out of several coves until we finally decided on Cala Tarida. This cove provided good protection from the predicted winds for the next couple of days.
Under cloudy skies, we could spot a few beach restaurants so we went ashore for a break from Sea Turtle. The surf was coming in hard and I got wet as we landed the dinghy. But no problem; we had pizza and Jordan enjoyed Sex on the Beach - the drink, that is - outrageously priced at 12 Euros (about $18 CAD)!
Splurging for Sex on the Beach at shore restaurants
Returning to the dinghy after dinner, we discovered it swamped with water from the crashing surf. A quick bail out and we made it safely back to Sea Turtle.
Wishing to now check out of Spain and stop the Schengen clock, we next motored to a larger marina, Sant Antoni de Portmany, where we anchored outside of the breakwater. At the marina, we filled our tanks for the passage to Gibraltar and went to see the Harbour Master.
We were shocked when she told us that we could not check out of Spain unless we returned to the other side of the Island of Ibiza, a day's sail in the wrong direction!!
Then, to top it off, the port officials would not allow us to bring our dinghy into the marina so we could buy a few last minute groceries for our 3-day passage! This is not a marina, or port for that matter, which we would recommend as it seems their main concern is to cater to large luxury yachts, such as this...
Well, that is, except for this trimaran and dinghy near the marina. Zoom in for a closer look! Yes, this boat and dinghy are in actual usage...
We soon discovered from other boaters that we could find small supermarkets across the harbour from the dreaded marina and have no problem leaving the dinghy at the shore. So with tanks and larders full, Jordan quickly cleaned the prop and we were off.
Wind predictions were favourable for the next 3 days for the run to Gibraltar. Actually our next stop was to check out of Spain at La Linea de la Conception, which is right beside Gibraltar, and at that time our Schengan clock would stop. It just meant that we added 3 unnecessary days to our 90-cay Visa Limit.
(We as Canadians are only allowed 90 days in any 180-day period to spend in European countries that are members of Schengen Group.)
Passage from Mallorca to Ibiza Sep 24 to 25
N38°56.268' E001°14.053' Sep 25 Ibiza Island (Cala Tarida)
N38°58.690' E001°17.812' Sep 27 Ibiza Island (Sant Antoni de Portmany)
1 comment:
Sounds like your Atlantic Crossing is coming up....or do you have other plans?
Glad you are still enjoying cruising. We are too, but just short local trips!
Sorry we didn't get to see you as you headed north last January. Maybe next time you are back in North America!
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