| Current Position 36:43.36N 003:43.35W
1st Attempt On the 10th May we tried to make for Marina Del Esta. We left early, as usual, but after 45 mins of little wind and a swell on the nose Charlie starting feeling quite sick. The bucket came out of the locker and although not physically sick he got quite stressed about the thought of it. So, we took the decision to return to Benalmadena. The forecast gave the swell for the next 2 days so we decided to stay 2 more nights.
Not a hardship but I was keen to move on......
The only regret is that we took no blog pictures of Charlie cuddled up with his sick bucket!!!! Oh well, next time.......
Oh yes - on the way back we again had more dolphins only this time they jumped out of the water and would spin in front of us. Unfortunately Charlie missed these as the sea sickness tablets had put him to sleep....
2nd Attempt Spent a lot of time looking at forecasts and the Spanish Met Office and the risks of swells in our area had disappeared. We set off for Marina Del Esta which was going to be a long day as we had ~40nm to cover. The forecast was for a southerly wind which would have been good but it ended up being a westerly and only Force 2. The trouble with that is that the apparent wind is low and we made little progress under sail to start with.
As you can see, in these conditions, my crew were coiled springs and ensured Watermark IV sail at optimum speeds.....
"This sailing lark is great, especially from my bed and quilt...... can't undertsand what all the fuss is with Marky!!!" says Charlie
An early start and sun up.................
For the first 4 hours we ended up motor sailing, the only good thing about that this was at least we headed in a straight line to our destination.
The coastline now changed and the non-stop view of tall buildings back to back started to break up as we passed Malaga. We could see a lot more of the hills and mountains and even some snow topped peaks of the more distance Sierra Navada's. They say that you can ski in the morning here and sunbath on the beach in the afternoon. However, the view was very misty and not good for pictures.
The constantly changing coastline, much less built up and more villages in the hills......
The westerly continued to build (True Wind of 13knts) and we were able to sail the 2nd half of the trip. There is no doubt that the winds are always better in the afternoons and something we'll have to start thinking about with future passage plans. After our 40nm and 8hrs of sailing, we rounded a small headland and there was Marina Del Esta. This time the crew did jump to there station.....I have to say that Charlie is really beginning to get involved with the mooring of Watermark and is becoming a great and useful help.
"OK Captain Marky, I'm ready when you are - just say the word"
We did the usual formalities and tied up to our berth. Again, lots of help from the staff, we use Charlie as the secret weapon and he duly delivers a cold Mars bar to the sailor with his 9year old cheeky grin. Seems to go a long way and we get lots of help.
Marina Del Esta is a lovely quiet marina. Not close to very much but has that classic picture of walking off the back of the boat and into a spanish bar. It's still early in the season so no noise when you want to sleep.
We are here for 4 nights. Tomorrow is a big boat cleaning day for Cathy and I. Inside for her, outside for me. Charlie has a pile of school work to get through and Mr Webster has just sent Wk2 English. Charlie was so over joyed to receive that email from Meoncross school......Tee Hee Heee.
The locals are already giving him their stale bread and he has caught so many fish. Fishing is now about how many, not did you catch any....
We were still mooring up when this one was caught within minutes of arriving. Still, the bar is only 5 secs away, so no rush required.
And the view from the bow for completeness. As you can see not a lot of room to moor up 50ft.
Cathy
Turning back was the right decision as any mother will know it is very upsetting seeing your child not feeling very well. I am normally the one that gets sick but Charlie beat me to it this time. During the 2 days back in Benalmadena Charlie was banned from any sweet stuff and only drank water.When we left in the morning I woke him up early and got him to swallow a Sturgeon sea sick tablet and I had one myself. When we starting sailing everything was great, no sickness to be felt. There was one problem though..the tablets just knock you out . Charlie and I slept most of the 8 hour journey.......never mind, I think Marky was due for some all important 'me' time.We just about managed to wake up to start the mooring process...Mark has now stopped shouting at us so I think we may have cracked it......hee hee
I have to say that the time is passing so quickly and I cant believe that we are nearly in to our 4th week (for me and Charlie , 7th week for Marky). There are lots of things that we are enjoying like the food (i've only cooked 2 evening meals since we left the UK) seeing Charlie enjoying himself and talking to 'everyone' and Marky relaxing...yes I can confirm I have now witnessed Mr Jeffery relaxing and do nothing for days on end.
The boys and Poo on board watching Shrek, well Charlie was!!!
Also he is not getting stressed about being unable to get an internet connection and the constant need to be logged on....The faithfully Ipad and Apple are taking a back seat. The only stress of the day is ensuring we have a huge supply of bread for fishing.Happy days!!!!!!!
Charlie
Hi everyone, i'm really having a bad time as you can from the picture....NOT....I need some money" Nanny" ..please send some...I just have to have a VRoom Vroom I promise i will be good forever.
I know I keep saying it but this new place is the best ever. I just love this place. Im loving everything about it. I love paella and mussels. A message for Mr Webster....dont send anymore work ...pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee...... | 
