9^th Sept - In Gib:

Barbara’s first trip on Alize comes to an end. She has a rendezvous with a friend in Tarifa and plans some kite surfing. We enjoy a final coffee and breakfast together, confirm our plans to reunite in Las Palmas for the ARC and say our farewells.

We have berthed Alize at Queensway marina, located on the site of the once oldest Wharf in Gib ‘Ragged Staff Wharf ‘. This is the place where the Governors traditionally landed and apparently the steps still remain. Frankly its hard to see much evidence of the original Quay or original anything. This is now a spanking new marina development with all the attendant apartments, waterside café’s and on one side new houses with superyachts berths attached. Still its excellent showers and central location are exactly what we need – and rather than push on that evening we decide to get an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Mike L and Tim shop in Morrisons and return with a truckload – is this for 7 days of the ARC crossing as well guys? (yes – a last chance to get Marmite & Peanut Butter!- Mike L). Still it all stows away somehow and will doubtless be the source of ongoing excellence from the galley. In the evening we explore another waterfront development on an even grander scale – the new Ocean Village. The old and the new seem to sit rather uncomfortably together rather than being integrated – but as a lively evening location with lots of themed bars and restaurants Ocean Village is hard to fault.