We left the Carloforte area about 8.30am and motored throughout most of the first day.  Boy have we used the engine a lot this summer!  We sighted a whale during the morning which was exciting and unnerving at the same time.  You hear reports of whales either 'falling in love' with boats, mistaking the hulls for whales, and sidling up to them or, alternatively seeing boats as a threat and attacking them.  Both have severe consequences but they are rare occasions.  All quiet this time.

 

Most of the third day (Friday) was sailing and we were able to raise our pink and blue cruising chute ( a bit like a spinnaker).  It was on this point of sail when the water flow passes alternately either side of the rudder that we heard it 'clunking'.  This is probably a worn rudder bearing(s), but it could be the case holding the bearings which is an integral part of the boat, or the rudder itself.  The noise is quite unnerving and you feel it can't be doing the boat any good.  It also keeps you awake at night on passage!  Definitely needs investigating before we set off on a longer passage to the Canary Islands!

 

We arrived in Cartagena bay at 10am on Saturday morning and tied up at the yacht club.

 

I went off later to find a data SIM card for the phone.  This is not difficult if you sign up for a contract but we can't do that without a permanent Spanish address.  Finding a SIM card that allows internet data was more difficult on a pay as you go basis but we got there in the end.  My limited Spanish makes finding my way through the various menus to check the balance, or to top up the credit, rather a challenge.