Mahon was lovely and we could have easily stayed longer in Menorca   It was nice to speak Spanish again instead of Italian.  Provisioning the boat was much easier than in Sicily.

Paul had another go at baking bread

Pat found her own shop in town

But the Easterly wind was calling and it was too good to pass up so we headed West towards Formentera. As we passed Cabrera Island at about 4 in the morning we clocked up the first milestone.

Formentera was very peaceful and we stayed for a couple of nights

Time to head to the Spanish mainland but the wind started to get more tricky. At first it was too light so we had a great idea and tried paddling

After that brilliant failure it was time to launch the whisker pole. That’s the giant pole that got British customs excited when we turned up with it on the car roof at Dover. None of us had ever used one before which kept things interesting. But we had lots of enthusiasm and got started.

Pat and Marjorie found the whole exercise very amusing

We hit the Spanish mainland at Morayra. Nick dreamt up his own version of walking the plank.

Next day we passed from Longitude East to West, (there’s even a marina in Spain called Greenwich marina) and dropped a hook in Azohia near Mazarron  Had a meal ashore for once.

But then the wind turned against us and we struggled to make good daily distances. We anchored in a bay called the bed of the newly-weds. Well named ! None of us got any sleep that night as the boat rolled relentlessly from side to side. We pushed on next day and anchored in Negras bay. The wind was blowing at 35 knots as the hook went down but the boat settled beautifully and we all had a much better night.

We came across loads of jellyfish next morning.

Getting round Cabo de Gata was hard work against a strong wind but eventually we were able to turn right along the Costa del Sol. The wind immediately responded and turned right as well so we were back to square one.

And then it was the 27^th – Dolphin day. Barrie spotted them first – a large pod of about 20 (with calves) making there way East in a long line. We edged closer and were treated to the most spectacular show for the next hour or so. They were everywhere.

When I say they’re under the bow Barrie you’re supposed to look over the side !

Eventually we had to leave them and head West again but later that day Barrie spotted another huge pod. Different species this time – much smaller but even more acrobatic. Again we turned East to follow them for an hour or so. Fantastic. Everyone was really happy. Dolphin day was truly special.

We sailed all night and just after dawn about 25 miles from Gibraltar we hit thick fog. All around us we could hear fog horns going off telling us who was moving and who was anchored. We got out our fog horn and reciprocated but none of us could get it to sound for the right length of time. Need to invest in more kit.

But we got through all the hazards ok – filled up with diesel – at 47p per litre !! and tied up In Marina Bay – Gibraltar. 1,504 miles from Corfu in 24 days. 

My thanks to all the crew who stuck by me when I was grumpy and frustrated with things not working properly. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks.

Nick - I'm gonna miss you son - the next passage without you will seem very different.