Well we finally made it to the port of Gran Tarajal on the Island of Fuerteventura.
The humans had to get out of Playa Blanca because they could not find an internet cafe with coffee under 2 euros. Even a cana (half pint of beer) was over 2 euros. Too expensive to stay long, even if we were anchored outside.
It was going to be a long sail to Gran Tarajal, so they got up early (for them) and headed out in the first light.
Leaving Lanzorate and the anchorage off Marina Rubicon behind
Leaving “Lanza-grote” and Playa Blanca behind
We will not miss the cross channel ferry, whos wake used to rattle the dishes every hour, when we were on anchor
Fuerteventura in the distance.
Luckily the winds had been light for days so the seas were very kind to us.
Kind enough I could catch up on some sleep, after being woken up so early.
Now this is better!
The sail down the coast of Fuerteventura was very pleasant. The island is a lot more barren then Lanzarote. It is volcanic in origins, but has more sandy beaches and dunes.
The North side of the island has extensive sand dunes and beeches
There are still towering black lava volcanoes
With the calm seas and light winds, while I napped, the humans decided to try poling out the cruising cute (an asymmetrical light weight sail).
Finally got to use the cruising chute
Cruising cute poled out with a forward and stern preventer
Poling out the cruising cute really helped to keep it off the rigging between ‘puffs’ of air and as the boat rolled in the gentle Atlantic swell.
Unfortunately the light winds meant we were travelling very slowly. We were not going to make it to Gran Tarajal before dark. So we decided to anchor up in a bay before darkness came. The humans needed some light left to clean the tuna they caught for dinner.
Just a few fishing shacks on the point
What the chart listed as a ‘village’ in the cove we anchored in, you can clearly see is in fact a row of small fishing huts.
Note the tiny little shrine. Too small a place to have a church
One rough track into the cove to a black volcanic rock beech. The fisherman park here and walk about 10-15 minutes across the cove to their huts.
It was a pleasant anchorage for the night, but in the early hours of the morning the winds picked up, and it became a bit rolly.
So we made an early start with the sun rise.
First morning light
With the fresher winds we quickly rounded the headland and headed for town harbour of Gran Tarajal.
The last point to round
Spirit of Argo moored up in port
The port in Gran Tarajal is a little jem for boats on a budget.
Entrance and pontoons are well lit.
At 10-12 euros a night (depending on boat length) including water and ‘electrics’ it is a very economical place to do boat repairs. They offer discounts for longer stays and we have already met some Brits using it as a perminate sailing base.
The finger pontoons are very short. This one just comes to the gate to get on and off the boat.
The port is becoming so popular they are building more pontoons.
The town, right beside the port.
Town sea front with black volcanic beeches
Lots of mature trees to give afternoon shade
It is very ‘Spanish’, which we love. Just remember….no one here speaks any English. There are few tourists, but the promenade is set up beautifully along the towns hugh black sand beach. Restaurants and cafes line the sea front with out any shops selling tourist ‘tat’.
A watch out for surprise guests under the sandy beach
In from the sea front is a maze of streets and lovely green parks. Within them is lots of shops selling everything including two grocery stores that offer free delivery to your boat. A great place to stock up before a crossing!
The towns people see themselves as artists.
Lots of cafes and restaurants on the tree lined prominade
If they can find a blank wall, and get city council approval, they cover it in giant murals. You discover them every where. We think we have found them all and then we turn a corner and spot another one.
As I will not have a lot to post to you, as the humans repair our leaky ship, I thought I would entertain you with a mural a day. Here is the first one.
I call this one The Pirates. Check out the detail!
Here are a set of pirates
Can anyone read Spanish?
Check out the detail on the big guy
The little pirate
Two boats that we met in Porto Santo and Madeira are here. Limbo (see links).
Fellow sailors Tim and Natalie on the boat LImbo
And Selkie, you learned about when we left Graciosa. They have decided to stay for Christmas so we will have company for the holidays. Most important for me is I will have kids to play with!
I am just a lttle worried about the signage around the Marina.
What do they expect me to do?
With electrics available the humans have gotten to work decorating the boat for the holidays.
Spirit of Argo with Christmas lights up
I will keep you posted on the humans messing up repairs and, do not forget, you will send you a mural a day.
Ola Delehunts, “Prepared for boarding?” is your translation