4^th May  CALA RATJADA

39 42.07 N   03 27.9 E

Cala Rat’s Arse as far as I’m concerned.

We had a lie in and left Cala D’Or at 11.10, filled the tank at 11.20 and headed off. We had a SW 3-5, with a heavy swell which knocked us about a bit but we got the jib out and had a good downwind sail to Cala Ratjada, where we arrived about 4.30.

I had phoned ahead and asked if there were any berths at Club Nautico, and was assured all I had to do was call up on VHF on arrival and they would sort one out for us.

When we arrived we were shown to the outer side of the harbour breakwater, about 4 ft higher than the boat deck, solid concrete, facing right into a strong swell and 15 kts of westerly wind. It was marked, in big letters, Club Nautico Visitor’s Pontoon, and we were told that that was that. I could hardly believe it. S did her nut at the bloke. Then calmed down. It was dreadful mooring, each time I headed backwards I got blown off as the bow would catch the wind as soon as the swell nudged it. After about the 5^th attempt we got lines ashore and were given a fixed line. I insisted on two, given the conditions, which they reluctantly agreed to.

Then in came a 50 ft Beneteau, with bow thrusters, and a couple of Russian families on board (Jack Sparrow – registered in Road Town BVI). Same toing and froing and general hassle and eventually they were berthed alongside. The guy was charming – said he’d just bought it and it was the first week he’d ever been sailing!

The marineros lent us a gang plank, which slid every which way as the boat moved, and, if you stood to far back when getting on the boat, would rear up in the air on the quay’s fulcrum….S said she wasn’t leaving the boat, Julia sprang off like a gazelle and vanished into town. C S and me had a G&T. Along came a charming chap taking photos, he was Swiss and had his daughter with him. He asked questions about the boats and their accommodation as he was thinking of buying one.

At this point S sprang up the swivelling gangplank and leaped ashore. It was one of those now or never moments she explained later, C and I thought she must have fancied the bloke. However – result! Now she was ashore, we could go too, and get some grub.

The town itself wasn’t bad, I’d have liked a bit longer to look around it, but, frankly the moorings are a travesty. Texted Chris and Bev on Elysium about it, he replied he thought he’d warned us that it was the worst place in Majorca…..! Back on the boat we were in good form, and had a good laugh and a few songs over a nightcap.

Today saw 25 NM covered.