Nigel and Simon had decided that there was a period of strong winds approaching over the route to our next destination, Cartagena, and that our best bet for covering the 90 miles was to do an overnight passage, departing late afternoon on Tuesday. 

Ideally we might have got a bit of help from the wind but if not it was engine all the way and arrive at the anchorage at La Azohia around daybreak on Wednesday.

No helpful breeze at all, so it was a hot noisy night but at least we took a direct route. Simon and Nigel covered the night in three hour watches, grabbing a few hours sleep in the saloon or cabin between times. I decided I would stay in the cockpit, dozing on the benches but would do the stewards job of providing refreshments at each watch change. I think the boys thought I was mad to stay up but as my bed is adjacent to the diesel engine it didn’t seem much of a choice for just one night.

Daybreak came just as we approached the anchorage, 12 miles from Cartagena marina, a wide bay with a few other boats who had obviously been there all night, first anchor drop didn’t set properly, but second time lucky and we were secure. The water is crystal clear, the best we have seen since the Caribbean and I saw the anchor hit the sandy bottom in about four metres of water. After a hot, sticky, noisy night it was a delight to get in the sea and swim around the boat, seeing the length of anchor chain on the seabed and a few inquisitive fish.

Sunshades up, breakfast and coffee and a chance to relax. Zero wind as we arrived but we knew it was coming! It did blow up later on in the afternoon, so we took all the awnings down again but were relieved when it dropped again as darkness fell.  Steak dinner and a peaceful night as Cassini rocked gently lying to the wind.

Thursdays winds built to strong in the early morning, but we are well positioned in the bay and the anchor and bridle are doing a good job.

There is a small settlement on the shore; a couple of beaches and a small Spar shop, but we are at least 600m from the shore, so not a dinghy ride to be undertaken lightly, especially in choppy conditions. We can be perfectly self sufficient if needs be, but sometimes it’s nice to get off the boat! 

A number of other private yachts and tripper boats have anchored during the day but there is plenty of room and always something to watch. 

Boat/personal admin chores today, I have done some preparation for leaving Cassini next week, listening to Test Special match commentary from Lords, reading and knitting and Nigel has promised a bean chilli for dinner tonight…

We are booked into the marina next Wednesday; might try to get in earlier if the wind changes direction and this anchorage becomes less tenable but at €82 per night, we are keen to minimise this expense… Having said, that I’m very keen to have a full day exploring the city of Cartagena and its Roman remains before I fly home tomorrow week.

Sally