Changes, changes

We set out from Fuengirola with the plan of sailing to Cáleta de Vélez for a weekend break but as they say, the best laid plans…..

There was no wind at the start of the journey and once again we were motoring along on really calm seas.

We called ahead to book the marina only to find it was full !! All weekend !! This kind of scuppered the plans we’d made on the way out, I’d sorted out where we could hire a car as we were planning to visit friends …. I am not ashamed to say there were a few tears before re-grouping and re-planning.

The next marina along the coast from Cáleta happens to be Skipper Nigel’s favourite, Marina del Este so we gave them a call. No problem, of course we have space, yes you can arrive late afternoon. PHEW !! Panic Over.

In the meantime the wind had picked up and we were sailing along on our new heading in brilliant conditions. It was fabulous and the boat was set so well that we were really relaxed.

It seemed like no sooner had we got ourselves settled than boom ! The conditions changed again (that’s med sailing for you). We were suddenly in 20 knot changing winds and a 2-3 meter swell. We had to act quickly after the boat became more difficult to manage with the swell and under full sail. Tines was put down below and we ended up pulling the sails in as even with a reef it was really bumpy. The good news was that we were being pushed along by the current and making 6 knots with our engine almost on idle. It was certainly different. Thanks to these conditions I didn’t take any photos most of the day :-(. Til we approached punta de la mona.

We were very happy to arrive at the marina although even that was fun since Skipper Nigel had to “come in hot” onto the berth due to 22 knot+ winds. I was freaked out at the speed we had to approach and Nigel and the marinero were having a good giggle at me shouting “slow down” at the top of my voice as we hurtled towards the pontoon!! Ten seconds later we were safely on berth and we could relax after another mammoth day at the helm. I think a couple of days rest are in order……