Position 28 23.50N 013 51.35W.

7/10/11 Lanzarote to Puerto del Castillo, Fuerteventura. 

Left Rubicon marina at about 0800 after refuelling.  Saw two sharks.  We were aiming to anchor in Gran Tarajal harbour.  However the wind increased and we were worried that if could not anchor we would be stuck on a lee shore with a big swell somewhere.  Decided to go into Puerto del Castillo.  Very small marina with large sand bar on the outside.  It was very rough entering marina.  They managed to fit us in but we had to leave the next day as fully booked due to deep sea fishing contest.  Spanish boat next to us told us weather forecast stronger winds for Saturday and that it is essential to book marinas in October and November.  They had tried to get into Morro Jable (south of island) for the weekend but fully booked.  I stressed myself out listening to wind and worrying about lee shores and did not sleep well. 

Paul and I went to beach for swim but decided too shallow and rocky.  We passed swimming pool on the way which seemed to be free.  We went for swim, several pools there of different depths, very salty and chlorinated.  You could stand up in water and float upright – almost as buoyant as you would imagine Dead Sea to be.  We showered and Paul went to get drink at poolside bar.  He came back and said he didn’t have to pay at which point I noticed that everyone had a wrist band except for us.  We drank up and left by side exit.

8/10/11 Puerto del Castillo to Gran Tarajal, Fuerteventura.  28 12.42N 014 01.58W

Very rough getting out of marina.  Sailed with just genoa and getting over 6 knots.  Wind F5/6 borderline.  Good job we did not come here yesterday expecting to anchor, all pontoons and no anchoring.  Plus side it’s an empty marina!  No toilets or showers but otherwise very nice.  Small town about 10 mins away.  The cheapest place we have ever stayed in Europe – 26.40E for two nights.  Will probably stay here whilst we try to book marina on Gran Canaria.