Gibralter, gateway to the Med'.
Are we nearly there yet?
Mike & Sarah
Thu 5 Aug 2010 17:39
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36:08.17N 5:21.32W
21st July 2010.
06.30 UT. Left Barbate in a F2 westerly with a
heavy swell running. An hour later the wind backed to wards the south, so genoa
out and port engine off, giving us 6 knots.
By 09.40 UT, abreast of Punta Paloma the swell
started to reduce. The north (Moroccan) coast of Africa hove into view, only 15
miles away. Much, much more mountaineous and imposing than
envisaged.
The final major landmark before Gibralter is
Terifa. Not only is it the southernmost city of mainland Europe, but it is also
famed for its frequent high winds. Apparently, for more than 300 days of a year
the winds exceed 40 knots. So although it was tempting to unfurl the Genneker in
the light winds that we were experiencing, it was also felt prudent to heed the
pilot's warning. In the event Tarifa was totally benign, so once round the last
corner, out came the genneker for the final run down to Gibralter.
On the previous day we had felt that it would be
wise to ensure the availability of a berth in Gibralter.The first call to Ocean
Village fell on stony ground. Apparently they would be full of various rally
boats until the end of August. The second call, to Queensway Quay Marina bore
fruit. Therefore, we entered Gibralter harbour at 11.20 UT knowing that there
would be a welcome. Ships of every size, shape and type seemed to be busying
themselves in the harbour. Many with a smaller vessel tied alongside. We
threaded our way through, called the marina on channel 71, getting no answer
until resorting to the handheld VHF and then entrusted ourselves to a very
efficient welcoming team who secured Footloose to the basin wall outside the
Marina's office. The only slight inconvenience being that, unlike mosrt of the
boats that were on floating pontoons, we had to contend with a tidal range of
just under a metre. Which meant a giant leap for mankind when the tide was low.
Immigration formalities concluded, we decide to get our bearings by strolling
around the adjacent town, savouring the atmosphere.
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