Almerimar to Altea, Spain

Marina Office in Almerimar

It was a mixed passage to Altea - 270 NM up the coast. From Almerimar we decided to head off coast to pick up the wind was based on the grib weather files. This turned out to be the wrong decision as we ended up motoring 4 hours to get back to the coast and the wind! However with a trip closer to the coast, about 2 NM off, we had a 'scenic tour' which was good see the coastal tourist developments. 
 

Anchored off the beach at Villajoyosa

During the passage up the coast John had promised fresh fish for dinner to test his new fishing gear. Despite his best efforts the line remained empty for the entire trip. Though we did enjoy seeing the dolphins and turtles who seemed to be sunning themselves.  After sailing in light winds and enjoying being dressed in shorts and teeshirts we decided to anchor for a night in the hope the wind would increase. After 192 NM we arrived in the middle of the night and anchored just off the port at Torrevieja.  After a rolly night (=uncomfortable) at anchorage we were keen to leave and sailed another 63NM, in light airs again, to anchor at Villajoyosa. This was a picturesque anchorage with bright coloured apartments along the expansive waterfront. 
 

Benidorm coast

With very light winds forecasted we headed out to motor for three hours to round the next cape passing Benidorm which reminded of the Gold Coast in Australia.  We then anchored at Mascarat Cove adjacent to Greenwich Marina saving E70 per night. The plan was to use the RIB and go into a cafe for wifi/fresh bread. After getting the RIB off the boat and starting the trip to the marina we noticed there was very little raw water from the cooling port. This provides confidence that cooling water is circulating through the engine. After 500mtrs the water flow was deteriorating - not a good sign - so John conducted a cautionary shut down procedure. Out came the oars and the best mate was rowed back to the boat. 

Altea Marina

After another night at anchorage and a leisurely start plan B was executed and we headed across the bay to Altea Marina to have the outboard investigated. We needed the outboard working as the RIB is effectively our car and allows us to anchor off and go ashore as required. On arrival we were met by a friendly (Swiss) line handler, Carlos, who advised us the office was closed and would open again at 1600hrs - of course we had arrived during the lunch/siesta time. Thankfully Carlos cycled around the marina and found us a berth to move into and introduced us to a local Spaniard for the outboard repair. Arrangements were made for a visit to the boat at 0930hrs the next day. Great we thought we would be departing pmhrs that day again as the wind was perfect for sailing. At 1030hrs with no sign of him we called his cell and were advised he would come soon. By 1200hrs we were getting impatient and called his phone again this time with no response. Very frustrating so it was back to the marina for another outboard contact. 

On the positive side we had half a day to explore Altea and visit the Parish Church that has a beautiful blue cupola known as “the dome of the Mediterranean”. The church is magnificently situated at the top of the town with the blue and white glazed ceramic tiles visible for miles. Altea was picturesque with the Sierra Bernia Mountain as a back drop and the traditional whitewashed houses of the village. 

Pondering the next step...

The next day the outboard expert, Klaus a German, arrived  one hour ahead of the planned time! After initally running and stripping the gear leg on the dock it was identified that problem was more serious than initially thought. Klaus and John then went back to his workshop to strip the motor and, where necessary, used acidic cleaning solution and compressed air and water jets to clean the salt crystals from the coolant loops. After three hours the job was done, the boat ready and we departed in the late afternoon with the destination of Palma, in the Balearic Islands.  

Below are a couple of photos from Altea.