36:41.77N 02:47.54W

30 Oct 2011

Left Cartagena at first light, well almost.  Forgot that the clocks were changed and we were awake one hour before the marina staff arrived.  Anyway left the marina and into the harbor.  Great winds just outside that looked like they would take us along at a fun pace.  So sails up and for two hours we logged about 8 knots per hour.  Then as usual the winds dropped and the waves just took control.  So motor back on and off we went to Alimerimar.

Trip was 112 miles and 14 ½ hours.  Arriving at dark with no moonlight and a very brightly light shoreline made it nearly impossible to pick out the marina or even the red and green entry light.  Following the GPS  did lead us into the port.  Reports for other sailors said that the entrance may silt in some so give room.  We did that and crept into the marina at about 3 knots per hour.

A call on the VHF to raise the staff at 9 o’clock at night did not produce a response but they did come right over to the fuel dock and logged us in and assisted us in berthing.  Nice folks who spoke almost no English but as with all marinas communication is easy since the routines are really very similar.

Almerimar is a create village and marina.  Built into the coastline with a large number of apartments blended in to marina slips.  It tries to give a feel of an old city but doesn’t pull it off.  However the marina is well protected, staff is very nice and helpful.  The “town” has enough stores to find what is needed and there is a boatyard to handle most sailboat requirements.  Nothing inland except miles and mile of plastic covered greenhouses, one of the large food producing areas.

Control Tower (Torre).  This is the marina office.  Nicely done and inside has the reception, admin office and lounge.

View of one of the marina/apartment inlets.  There are several of these with cafes, restaurants and shops.

Once again we met up with PipeDream.  For the last year/18 months we have had the pleasure of meeting and having fun together.  This time however they arrived here well before us and headed back to the USA for a few months.  While we head west for the Atlantic crossing they will be watching our progress.  In January they will follow us across the pond and we can watch their progress.