Essaouira - lively chaos
Regina
Espen Aalstad
Sat 27 Oct 2007 10:03
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31:30.5N 9:46:45W
The 55 nm south from Safi to Essaouira was
uneventful in low wind. The port of Essaouira has been more exciting: from
entry between rocks, old fort and into a narrow fishing harbour to the
unpredictable and lively fishing port.
We were surprised to see only a few sailboats here
also after having read the pilot. Just as well and we wonder what happens when
the other ARC boats behind us arrive.
Two sailboats hang onto the only rescue boat, and
we have had to dock next to the local tourist ferry with a Norwegian boat
coincidentally. RX-II has four Norwegian students who have been selected to
borrow the boat for the next few years. A great and representative Norwegian
gang:)
We were first told the ferry leaves once a day, but
it turned out twice a day and returns within the hour....luckily we were
around when the ferry came back early.
With Ingeborg and Eivind on RX-II we did some
rather exciting manouvering to let him out and in. Espen manouvered with
RX-II alongside just like a catamaran.
The ferry owner is quite a 'capitain' and enjoys
what the sailors must 'provide'. Tonight he is painting his boat at
midnight after enjoying the whiskey 'Hearbeat' brought him.
An amazing 78ft. Dutch boat also in the ARC (4
kids!), and whom we had met in Mohammedia.. Their arrival at dusk was
today's event. We enjoyed their 'ankerdram' and got to also see
inside....beautiful.Ray: you were right!
More fun and caos as we were leaving with lowest low tide, stuck
sailboat (blue) and film crews (big fishing boat) doing a telecom ad......
 Essaouira is becoming a top tourist attraction in
Morocco, and we can understand why. A small medina (old city) under an old
Portugese fort with charming small streets, long surf beach and closeness to
Atlas and Marrakesh. Local artisans is famous for their wood craftman ship...if
only we had more space.
The sights and smells of the fishmarket is a strong memory. On the street
by the old fort.
 Sharks!
  Fresh seafood from our favorite tourist captain was a great
lunch
 There were at least twice as many of these small fishing boats in the
port....and not easy to see ashore.
 Tomorrow we head for Lanzarote. Wind looks
good. |