Back at sea, after our dog walk and stowing everything away ahead of a longer day we set out. Daisy Mae first since she was berthed closer to the marina entrance than Gemini J – just by one spot 😉
We had anticipated a little swell, when we got out past the breakwater we found it a little uncomfortable but we were forecast to get better winds as the day went on which might make sailing rather than motoring possible. We had a great hour or two motor-sailing alongside each other and fairly close to the Aguilas coastline. Our destination was Cartagena – Poppy and Judith wanted to re-visit their previous home marina where they had lived aboard for a while. We were happy to head back, giving the boat engine another good run (unfortunately, we would all have rather been sailing) we wanted to keep speed of 5 knots so started with motor and mainsail.
Around 11am the wind picked up – for a glorious ten minutes we thought we had it – our genoa sails were quickly brought out, and we had the wind. It was all very exciting and we exchanged messages about course/heading and the best way to get that wind. By 11:15 it was all over – there just wasn’t the right combination of wind, course and swell for us to switch off the engine. Skipper Nigel was gutted, we did keep the genoa sail out, as did Daisy Mae since there was wind in them. During the course of the afternoon, Nigel was determindley attempting to sail at every opportunity beating to get the wind (zig zagging) but the conditions just weren’t right for it. We motor sailed on until all too soon the headland of Cabo Tinoso came into sight and we were almost back at Yacht Port Cartagena. We had the minor issue of some tankers to manouvre around and aboard Gemini J we had to drop our genoa sail whilst rounding the headland (because Skipper Nigel had steered a course that lost him the wind to keep the sails up) but we got it back out again for the final run into the harbour.
As we rounded the breakwater (where the cruise ships normally tie up) we were greeted by a whole flock of seagulls – it was quite a sight and sound ….. as I was preparing the boat I only had time for a quick snap but you’ll get the idea.
Overall it was a swelly day, finished off with a belated marinero meaning that Skipper Nigel had to reverse Gemini J back out of the channel until he was ready to help us with the lines. We were very excited when Daisy Mae radioed in and was offered the berth right next to us – they reversed in to their new spot brilliantly in fairly high winds and before too long we were all enjoying a beer on deck.
So, now we have spent the week in Cartagena – enjoying some walks and city sights and relaxing.
We also watched a cruise ship come into port – only the 3rd or 4th one this year as far as I’m aware. They are still amazing to watch – but at the moment the shore visits are very much controlled so only small groups of people are allowed to wander the town with a guide and they don’t go into shops or bars/restaurants. It seems strange to think that two or three a week used to arrive and bring with them thousands of tourists freely walking around the city.
It has been good to be back in port for a while, who knows where we will head to next, there’s still a lot of sailing summer left……
The Adventures of Gemini J 