We departed Velez at 7:15 with the intent of berthing in a marina at Marbella, some 46NM away.  I made several booking enquiries by phone and email with no success. We made our way to Marbella against westerly winds, close hauled, motor on. I looked at anchoring options near Marbella however there was no where that would offer protection from the prevailing wind and swell. We decided to continue around the coast, getting closer to Gibraltar. After further enquiries we jagged a berth at Estepona marina, 14NM further on, albeit having to pay for a 25m position, €200 per night. After some work manoeuvring and adjusting ropes with the strong westerly wind on the port bow, we secured stern-to. We put washing on then made our way to the marina office to check-in, paid deposits for cards to access the marine security gate and for a power adapter plug.

Had never been to Estepona before and we were pleasantly surprised by the facilities and taverna precinct near the marina. A very well-maintained foreshore which gave good vibes. We had a drink at an elevated Irish pub before returning to the boat, connecting power, had our Aperol Spritz, olives, cheese, tomato and gherkins, before a shower. We headed back to the Irish Pub where there was a duo playing live music. The Irish female played guitar and had a fantastic voice. Her Uruguayan (we spoke to them after the performance) partner played guitar, percussion sitting on a wooden drum box and accompanied the female singer. We met an Irish couple, Pat and Elizabeth, from Belfast who knew all the songs. He was invited up to sing an Irish song and did very well. It was one of those random occasions which turned to be a fun night. After the performance we had dinner at a nearby tapas taverna then returned to Westralia for a recovery sleep after grinding through a few days of heavy sailing conditions, happy we will have a lay day here tomorrow.

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