Sunday 30^th March – Rota – El Puerto de Santa Maria

36:35.303N 6:13.867W

Today the ships clocks went forward an hour. 

We had been awoken during the night several times by loud bangs as fireworks were set off – we are wondering if this had anything to do with the wedding celebrations but it meant a poor night’s sleep for us. 

When we awoke it was overcast but gradually the sky cleared and we set off across the bay of Cadiz for the short hop to El Puerto de Santa Maria.  The wind and swell proved a little more than expected but we ended up having a good run down on just the genoa.

We went to the Real Club Nautico on the river, a small marina that had been recommended to us. It is a yacht club and has a restaurant and bar attached which look very good, along with sports facilities.  The staff here are very friendly and helpful, and it is a nice setting at the side of the river and convenient for town. 

However we have been a little disappointed by the news that the berthing fee is twice the price of that we were paying in Rota – now we re-check the pilot book we see that they have only one price throughout the year (which has gone up substantially since last season) and so we are effectively paying summer rates.  We really like the feel of the place but it may have to wait until our return trip. 

This afternoon we had a walk around the town.  There is a very smart looking bull ring and a lovely old town with some old brandy warehouses. 

There must have been a biking event this weekend as the whole town was full of people on motor bikes and even a number of stalls along one of the streets selling bike paraphernalia.

This evening I cooked for everyone, chilli con carne (and sin carne for me) but I made it a bit hot and Peter and Carola struggled a bit.