Week four is now over – I can’t believe I’ve been here a month already. We spent Monday in the Bay as Peter had never sailed Rincewind before, so we all needed to figure out how she handled. Tuesday we headed off up the Spanish coast with Louise in charge as Skipper for the day. A distinct lack of wind meant that 6 hours later we finally arrived, under motor, at Estapona. Not bad going, considering you can drive there for Gibraltar in 45 minutes…..hmmm. On Wednesday I was supposed to be acting as Skipper, and having stayed up until midnight preparing a passage plan to get us to Ceuta in Morocco, was disappointed to wake up to find that once again, there was not enough wind to go sailing. We made good use of the morning, learning how to get to the top of a 20 metre mast using a bosun’s chair. It just wouldn’t be an adventure without the opportunity to test your fear of heights, would it? So glad I did it (and without anyone knowing I was scared of heights might I add), it was fantastic. I’m not so sure the guys on the winches were that happy about it getting me up there though! Still, it’s not as if we couldn’t all use the exercise. I’ve added some pictures to prove I’m not making it up.
The wind never picked up, so Ceuta really wasn’t an option. We decided to head for Sotogrande instead. I managed to find it and took us in to the Marina. At the entrance we saw one of the other school yachts going round and round in circles trying to pick up a fender that had fallen overboard and was sitting in the water in the corner against the wall. I couldn’t understand why they simply didn’t reverse onto the wall (far easier), given that the skipper was a yachtmaster and an instructor and should therefore have been able to manage quite a basic manoeuvre. Peter and I decided our best option was a bit of piracy and set about stealing the aforementioned fender. As the other yacht went round in yet another circle, I neatly parallel parked our yacht against the wall, directly next to the elusive fender. Show off. It’s funny, the other skipper didn’t seem to like it when I asked her if there was a problem with the reverse gear on her yacht. I can’t repeat what she actually said but it did include ‘if I’m ever your instructor’ and something about keelhauling.
So we reported in at the Marina Office and then it struck me. I’m in Sotogrande. On a Wednesday. Sotogrande on a Wednesday. Hang on…..it was all sounding a bit too familiar. Wednesday night…..oh God. Karaoke night! Fortunately for the patrons of the Irish bar I managed to restrain myself and avoid it on this occasion. At £5 per rum and coke I think it was a wise decision! Instead, I wandered around the Marina, checking out the estate agents. I’ve found the property I want. I just need to save up 1.8 million Euros. But there’s a pool and everything! And the fridge has an icemaker…..No? Ok, I’ll come back to the boat…….sulk.
On Thursday we were determined to get to Ceuta, despite the lack of wind. We were joined by lots of dolphins along the way. They do disappear at the very mention of a camera though, so sadly no photos yet. We were also then joined by a shark, which may have had more to do with the disappearance of our dolphin buddies. We did eventually make it to Ceuta, although half the way under motor. Quite a nice place. There’s a huge swimming pool there right next to the Marina, with palm trees all around it, but it doesn’t open for a few more weeks. The wind picked up on Friday and we actually managed to sail back to Gib, which made a pleasant change. No courses this weekend, so I’ve spent my time reading out on deck in the sun (tough life) and in the classroom practicing chart work. We’re all back in the classroom this week for our Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster theory course. Sounds daunting but I’m sure it will be interesting. Another exam at the end of the week, so there looms a week of hard work and sobriety ahead. Not a problem for me I don’t think but I’m not so sure everyone can make it from the classroom to the yacht, without accidentally wandering into The Ship pub. It really is the most insensitive place to put a pub. We shall see.
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