Sunday 4th November 2012  32:44.50N 016:42.79W

 

Since arriving here on Thursday, we have spent much of our 3 days in the marina watching waves break over the sea wall, while heavy showers came through at intervals to clear the salt spray.  This is by far the most expensive marina we have used since leaving Plymouth, but with big waves from the wrong direction, it is probably cheaper than the sail or boat repairs that would accompany setting out.  The weather is set to change from tomorrow with recent south westerly winds finally returning to their expected north easterly direction as the Azores high pressure system returns.  Winds in the marina have already reduced from Force 6 last night to Force 1 this evening, so the portents are good; but we will see what the morning brings.

 

The property development around the marina has advanced since I was here in 2009, but few of the properties appear to be occupied.  The marina is only half full despite its strategic location between the mainland and the Canary islands.  Whether that is a result of the high prices or lack of traffic is unclear, but there are 240 boats due to leave Gran Canaria for the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) to St Lucia on 25th November.

 

A pleasant young man came with some friends as interpreters to ask if he could crew for us to the Caribbean.  Unfortunately, his English was too poor to be functional and his nationality introduced additional problems of visa requirements which could have complicated our journey. We tried to soften our negative response with a beer and advice on crewing sites where he might find a wider selection of boats.