Fai Tira at Castell De Ferro.   36:43.52N 03:21.12W

21th August 2011

After leaving Cartagena for a 170mile overnight journey we were pleased to have winds which gave us a broad reach to the Cape de Gata not far from Almeria.  We had a cracking sail, mostly travelling at over 7knots and the hydrovane steering working perfectly. We were even treated to a sighting of a couple of whales which we think we identified as Blackfish Whales which grow up to 6 meters long and have a blunt nose. Unfortunately they didn’t stay with us long. I think we were going too fast for them!  As we rounded the Cape the wind increased to 35 knots so we heaved too and lowered the mainsail.  We were still maintaining over 6knots just on the Genoa with it reefed.  This was too good to last.

The coast line of this region is covered with greenhouses.

I was helming past the Hugh resort of Almeria and was treated to a spectacular firework display on the beach.  It was nearly as good as the brush fire we had seen previously.  I woke Baz at 5.00am to start his second watch. The wind had died off to nothing and I had the engine on.  I headed for my bunk and slept.  That was until I heard the familiar crashing of the bow sprit hitting the oncoming waves. Bugger!  I got  up to see Baz hand steering FT and wet from head to toe.  I raised the main with two reefs in it and deployed the staysail. We changed course for the shelter of a bay in the lee of the mountains.

See he can even smile when soaked.  To be honest he had dried out by the time this photo was taken. 

We are now on anchor off the beach at Castell De Ferro doing some repairs and chilling.

Next stop Gibraltar wind permitting.