Tarifa to Gibraltar
Minka of Southampton - Cruising Log
Edmund Wigan
Sat 8 May 2010 19:18
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There was not much wind for sailing first thing
this morning so I waited for it as I didn't want to risk starting the
engine. I needed a reasonable amount so that I could pick up steerage quickly to
avoid hitting the wall at Tarifa harbour. About 10.00 the wind picked up and off
we went. We made quite good time to Gibraltar Bay when the wind dropped just as
I was going through the anchorage for all the big ships delivering tax free gin
to Gibraltar (£8.50 a bottle).
 The last five miles we covered at 2kts so you can
work out how long that took. I was just concerned the wind would drop completely
and leave me playing with the big ships. About a mile out I called up the marina
to arrange some help getting into the berth without an engine. They didn't have
room for me to park with or without an engine. Fortunately there are two marinas
and the second one had a berth. It seems Gibraltar is popular with
yachties..........could it be the price of gin? The chap in the second marina
said he would come and take my lines for me but couldn't offer a tow. I
managed to sail right into the marina but then had to turn into the wind (what
wind) to go into the berth. I started the engine and used it for that last bit.
The last bodge that I did on the water hose held together anyway so no problem.
The trick is to superglue the split in the hose before winding tape around it.
Black tape seems superior to yellow as well. What am I an expert
in...........?
The people in the marina are very friendly with a
lot of liveaboards here. I have had a quick walk around town and it looks good.
They take proper money here so I have put all my monopoly money in a box. It is
very English and even has a chippie.
 and one of the rock
 I will be staying here for two weeks as I have
decided it is time I learnt to sail. I have booked a one week course with a
local sailing school to prepare me for taking the Yachtmaster Commercial
qualification which I have been meaning to do for years. I could then
get casual work skippering charter boats in the summer which might be fun. We
shall have to see because if the course is a pain I shall go and drink some gin.
The great thing about being retired is that you don't have to do anything you
don't want.
These blogs will probably be less frequent
whilst I am here.
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