Last week in the Balearics (not)
Saturday 15th June.... It was a crowded anchorage here last night. Fortunately we slept well and woke to a fairly calm and very sunny morning. We decided to take it easy and have a chill out day, although Dean still did a couple of jobs. When we are at anchor there is always an annoying squeak in the fore cabin. Dean says it's coming from the staysail rigging and so we tried to identify the culprit. Unfortunately we couldn't resolve the issue, so Dean has set about getting a special tool made so he can reach inside the rigging and maybe that will fix the problem.
Our crowded anchorage
The nearest beach
Mid morning the waves picked up quite a lot, it makes it worse in the day with all the jet skis, ferries, inflatables, etc going at full speed through the anchorage. Phil and Cris had invited us out for dinner, but we didn't fancy tackling the swell and waves across the bay, so we had to sadly decline their offer. We'll try to meet up tomorrow as the forecast is looking much calmer the next few days.
The motoryacht that sadly found itself on the breakwater rocks yesterday, finally got salvaged today after a few hours. They had to get a crane in to help lift it off the rocks. Once it was clear the salvage crew towed it into the harbour. There was obvious extensive damage as it was only being held afloat by the airbag flotation devices.
Struggling with no tide to help
Expensive insurance claim
Having been treated to a perfectly sunny day there was a spectacular sunset this evening, watched by most of the people in San Antonio lining the length of the coast path it would seem.
Hard work
Last week in the Balearics (not). Despite the weather not being so good recently and the islands known for the swell I would like to see Menorca so I hope to do that in August......if Linda will let me!
Sunday 16th June... Well the planned breakfast with Phil & Cris had to be cancelled, because when we woke up the wind had turned us and Thesee was facing the lee shore. We decided that we couldn't chance going off for brekkie and that we should move without further ado, as the forecasted calm morning was really not calm at all.
There was another boat near us and we thought he must be almost on top of our anchor, and indeed when we started lifting the chain we got very close to him, but a superb reverse manouevre by the crew ensured that we avoided each other (this all instructed by the skipper of course, who should take the credit!).
So anchor stowed, we headed west and through the small passage between Isla Conejera and Isla Bosque. It was abit nerve wracking as there is a shallow bar connecting the two islands, and we had read the minumum depth at this point was 3.5 to 4 metres. We knew that boats went through this passage, and indeed some of our friends did so, but you just have to make sure you choose the right spot. Nevertheless we held our breath. No need to worry though as we made it perfectly recording minimum depth at 3.7 metres.
Heartbeats recovering to a normal rate, we then turned south and sailed down the west coast. As we neared the south west corner of Ibiza we were going through the deeper passage between Isla Vedranell and the mainland when we spotted a small boat ahead with flashing blue lights. He approached us and we wondered what was going on. Turned out they were just warning us of some swimmers ahead, and instructed us to keep over to the port side.
We reached today's anchorage at Sa Caixota about 1pm. It's one of the bays on the south side of Ibiza. It was a little rolly, and still is but we think we'll be ok for tonight. The wind has dropped to almost nothing. Not much here but it's a change of scenery anyway. Would you believe the boat anchored next to us is our first neighbour from Almerimar. It's not the same people though as it seems the boat has been chartered.
Sunday 16th June... Well the planned breakfast with Phil & Cris had to be cancelled, because when we woke up the wind had turned us and Thesee was facing the lee shore. We decided that we couldn't chance going off for brekkie and that we should move without further ado, as the forecasted calm morning was really not calm at all.
There was another boat near us and we thought he must be almost on top of our anchor, and indeed when we started lifting the chain we got very close to him, but a superb reverse manouevre by the crew ensured that we avoided each other (this all instructed by the skipper of course, who should take the credit!).
So anchor stowed, we headed west and through the small passage between Isla Conejera and Isla Bosque. It was abit nerve wracking as there is a shallow bar connecting the two islands, and we had read the minumum depth at this point was 3.5 to 4 metres. We knew that boats went through this passage, and indeed some of our friends did so, but you just have to make sure you choose the right spot. Nevertheless we held our breath. No need to worry though as we made it perfectly recording minimum depth at 3.7 metres.
Looking back at Isla Bosque rocks after we passed the shallow bar
... and the north side of the passage, Isla Conejera
Heartbeats recovering to a normal rate, we then turned south and sailed down the west coast. As we neared the south west corner of Ibiza we were going through the deeper passage between Isla Vedranell and the mainland when we spotted a small boat ahead with flashing blue lights. He approached us and we wondered what was going on. Turned out they were just warning us of some swimmers ahead, and instructed us to keep over to the port side.
We reached today's anchorage at Sa Caixota about 1pm. It's one of the bays on the south side of Ibiza. It was a little rolly, and still is but we think we'll be ok for tonight. The wind has dropped to almost nothing. Not much here but it's a change of scenery anyway. Would you believe the boat anchored next to us is our first neighbour from Almerimar. It's not the same people though as it seems the boat has been chartered.
Superyachts in tonight's anchorage
The just about landable beach
Posh houses above
We found a short walk for Saffy
Pirates out in the bay
The fast ferry from the mainland
Monday 17th June 2019...I guess not too bad waking up to bright sun and a calm and clear sea. I was up again in the night, it's an anchor thing. Anyway I managed to take a quick photo of the moon which looked nice.
Quick shot of the moon
After scrambled eggs on toast we took Saffy ashore for the usual walkies, It's quite a posh area with some real fancy houses.
Saffy getting ready for walkies
Beach steps leading too...
Posh road
Usual view of the anchorage
and again
and yet again
Once walkies were over we moved off and motored our way to Formentera. You will remember we were there a few weeks ago when we first arrived in Ibiza. this afternoon and this evening is a little different because, yes you've guessed it. There is swell rolling in! We motored over to have a look at another area where there are buoys to stop the anchors destroying the posidonia grass. 73 euro's a night! I don't think so Mr grass police man. So back over to the rolly anchorage. I took the chance to have a dive on the anchor and clean a bit more of the bottom before we managed to cook a chicken on the Cobb BBQ and walk Saffy ashore. The only one that got wet this time was me.
Great sunset in the rolly anchorage
Sun setting over Es Vedra
The lovely boardwalk to the other side of the sandy spit of land
Beautiful small inlets to swim in
Tuesday 18th June... Well all was calm last night after an annoying day of boat wash from ferries, boats, and it seems the whole population of Ibiza also. The water was clear this morning and although the anchor was too far away to see, i did spot a pair of trousers on the seabed! Here's some pictures from Saffy's early morning walk at 8am before it got too warm.
Entering the dinghy channel to the shore
What's this then?
Gulls looking for breakfast
Old and New sharing the bay
Ready to relaunch ourselves
After such a beautiful start to the day, it wasn't too long before the hoards started turning up and before we knew it we were surrounded.
Wednesday 19th June... I didn't finish yesterday's blog as my laptop expired itself into the land of nod. What i was going to say was that we were surrounded by noisy party animals. Yes we all like to have a good time so we put our music on loud too! Don't like to upset anyone but at least it drowned out the din coming from the neighbours. Our friends Phil and Cris on Bora La arrived later on and we went over for a quick Vino Tinto with them and their visitors from Italy and Brazil.
So overnight it wasn't too bad but the wind turned and we were up at 4.30am but all was ok. By 7am we were walking the dog before moving round the Esplamador promontory to the east side, where after an hour and a half we reached Es Pujols. This should keep us out of the south westerly's for a couple of days. We're hoping that Ron and his crew (another friend of ours) arrives from Majorca and we can meet up. He's sailing back from Greece to the UK.
It's quite a nice little place here at Es Pujols, blue sea and lovely small shallow bays for swimmers. We took Saffy for a walk later on and ended up in a beach bar where we found ourselves on the Vino Tinto again. It was called Chezz Gerdi, a lovely little place, a bit pricey but that's to be expected. 14 Euros for two glasses of red wine, it was in a nice glass though and i like that.
Thursday 20th June… Dean had an early morning dip, three times circumnavigation of Thesee. He said it was refreshing, he likes that word and uses it a lot when he’s been for a swim.
Afterwards we took Saffy for a mini ramble along the rocky headland. It was a good chance for her be off lead and have a runaround. The mornings have been quite cloudy this week and it’s better to walk Saffy earlier in the day so she doesn’t get too hot. So I think she had fun.
After lunch Phil and Cris dinghy’d over to us and invited us for dinner tonight. Cris is an amazing chef, how could we refuse? So a lazy afternoon followed lounging about on the boat. I tried out the hammock and it was really comfy, but I got too hot in the sun. Dean was itching to do something exciting like teach me how to steer the dinghy. I suggested how about teach me how to use the snorkel? The water looked so inviting, and I’ve been getting more confidence going in the sea so it was the perfect opportunity in the crystal clear water. It’s the first time I’ve ever snorkelled (is that a word?) and I found it really strange, the feeling of looking underwater and breathing at the same time. I only dipped my head in a little though. After a while I was feeling more relaxed. Dean came in the water and he took me round the boat to where the anchor was in the sand. He got me to look underwater at him whilst he swam down and touched the anchor. 7 metres to the bottom. It was amazing to watch and then see him looking up at me floating on the surface. Afterwards I thought Dean’s right, the water’s so refreshing! Smarty pants.
After another Saffy walk we went over to Bora La for dinner. There were eight of us including their guests and also some friends of theirs from another boat. We had a wonderful night’s entertainment. Thank you so much Phil & Cris, you are perfect hosts. We had to say cheerio at 11pm as we are going different directions tomorrow, but will sure meet up later in the year.
Wednesday 19th June... I didn't finish yesterday's blog as my laptop expired itself into the land of nod. What i was going to say was that we were surrounded by noisy party animals. Yes we all like to have a good time so we put our music on loud too! Don't like to upset anyone but at least it drowned out the din coming from the neighbours. Our friends Phil and Cris on Bora La arrived later on and we went over for a quick Vino Tinto with them and their visitors from Italy and Brazil.
Fun and laughter on Bora La
So overnight it wasn't too bad but the wind turned and we were up at 4.30am but all was ok. By 7am we were walking the dog before moving round the Esplamador promontory to the east side, where after an hour and a half we reached Es Pujols. This should keep us out of the south westerly's for a couple of days. We're hoping that Ron and his crew (another friend of ours) arrives from Majorca and we can meet up. He's sailing back from Greece to the UK.
The beacon marking the Island of Esplamador
This one is at the north side of the same passage...
between Ibiza and Formentera
...and this is the Northerly Cardinal (keep north)
denoted by the two black arrows on top
It's quite a nice little place here at Es Pujols, blue sea and lovely small shallow bays for swimmers. We took Saffy for a walk later on and ended up in a beach bar where we found ourselves on the Vino Tinto again. It was called Chezz Gerdi, a lovely little place, a bit pricey but that's to be expected. 14 Euros for two glasses of red wine, it was in a nice glass though and i like that.
Looking out at the bay at Es Pujols
Keeping the boats dry
This one's for you Gavin !!
Signpost at the beach bar
Dean at the beach bar
Nice wine glasses....it makes all the difference to the taste
Now it's Linda.... we're still in the beach bar
On a bike at last!
correction.... Dean says it's a scooter
Thursday 20th June… Dean had an early morning dip, three times circumnavigation of Thesee. He said it was refreshing, he likes that word and uses it a lot when he’s been for a swim.
What a way to start the day
Afterwards we took Saffy for a mini ramble along the rocky headland. It was a good chance for her be off lead and have a runaround. The mornings have been quite cloudy this week and it’s better to walk Saffy earlier in the day so she doesn’t get too hot. So I think she had fun.
Looking out across the anchorage from the headland
The motor yacht on the right is tied stern to the rocks to stop him swinging round
....protection from the southerly wind
Handsome Thesee takes centre position
After lunch Phil and Cris dinghy’d over to us and invited us for dinner tonight. Cris is an amazing chef, how could we refuse? So a lazy afternoon followed lounging about on the boat. I tried out the hammock and it was really comfy, but I got too hot in the sun. Dean was itching to do something exciting like teach me how to steer the dinghy. I suggested how about teach me how to use the snorkel? The water looked so inviting, and I’ve been getting more confidence going in the sea so it was the perfect opportunity in the crystal clear water. It’s the first time I’ve ever snorkelled (is that a word?) and I found it really strange, the feeling of looking underwater and breathing at the same time. I only dipped my head in a little though. After a while I was feeling more relaxed. Dean came in the water and he took me round the boat to where the anchor was in the sand. He got me to look underwater at him whilst he swam down and touched the anchor. 7 metres to the bottom. It was amazing to watch and then see him looking up at me floating on the surface. Afterwards I thought Dean’s right, the water’s so refreshing! Smarty pants.
Hammock for long legs??
Saffy Perro's aftenoon snooze
Is that really me?? Danger Woman
After another Saffy walk we went over to Bora La for dinner. There were eight of us including their guests and also some friends of theirs from another boat. We had a wonderful night’s entertainment. Thank you so much Phil & Cris, you are perfect hosts. We had to say cheerio at 11pm as we are going different directions tomorrow, but will sure meet up later in the year.
Saffy having a shady walk on this lovely road with lovely homes
That's my place
Friday 21st June... We had planned to cross back to the mainland tonight, but after having checked the forecast this morning we decided to just go for it straight away. So we left at 10.15am, with still enough of the day left for the crossing. The wind was strange at first being a south westerly instead of a northerly so we were not very happy at that point. Nevertheless as soon as we began to leave the land the wind changed to northerly. From then on it was a good day, the sea was calm and the wind mainly pretty ok. Certainly better than expected.
When we reached the shipping lanes we had the cruising chute up. You're supposed to cross shipping lanes at right angles, and we were fairly right angled to some degree. It was busy and we found ourselves having to try and dodge about 5 ships in all. Two ships in particular we thought were very professional the way they didn't make things difficult for us, giving us space and crossing to our stern. At least it kept us busy for a couple of hours and before we knew it we were only 10 miles from land.
The crossing took 11 hours and we arrived at the anchorage at Moraira about 9.30pm just before it got dark. Good job it's the longest day of the year. Looks like a nice place, can't wait to have a look around in the morning. Tonight we want to thank Thesee for keeping us safe and sound, and the Sea Gods for a very good passage with nice calm seas.
Our Chartplotter showing us approaching the shipping lanes
A close up now with three ships around us,
all going different directions
Nearly there, just around the headland to Moraira with the sun setting
This is the last blog post entitled 'Last week in the Balearics'
The next post will be called 'Costa Blanca and the BIG Birthday'
The Good Life!
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