Wednesday - 29 August 2018

We set off early again, as dictated by the tides, our path well away from the tuna fisheries today.  Timing was not going to be such a problem as we knew that we could arrive in Gibraltar at any time, and we were soon flying down the coast, pushed by the tide and a fair wind. It was glorious.  Very rapidly we were able to see the coast of north Africa as well as the Spanish side, the Straits of Gibraltar are only 6 or 7 miles wide at the narrowest point. The straits are very busy with vessels of all shapes and sizes and we could hear continuous chatter on the radio from Spain (Algeciras), Gibraltar and Morocco (Tangiers), with each having a major port and traffic management schemes to monitor. For those that have been there, it was like a combination of the Straits of Dover for the intensity of shipping, and the Hurst Narrows at the Needles end of the Solent for the flow rate and characteristics of the water. We also heard radio reports of life jackets and inflatable boats being seen in the water, and were reminded of the migrants that we had seen yesterday.

We had to round the Cape of Tarifa, a mecca for windsurfers because the wind blows seriously for 300 days each year.  It was not too bad today, but even so we experienced a wind acceleration to about 28 knots soon after rounding the point.  We have made in into the Mediterranean!

We headed into Gibraltar past various ships at anchor.  We heard on the radio that several were here for bunkering, and one of our reasons to come is to top up with tax free fuel.

The cruise ship has been placed here permanently, as is a casino and hotel.

We have been allocated a berth normally used for super yachts, on the understanding that we must leave first thing in the morning, as a 55 metre superyacht is due to arrive.  I hope we don’t get charged superyacht prices.  Our spot has certain advantages,  it is very handy for the airport and we have a great view of the planes landing and taking off.  There are height restrictions on the boats closer to the runway then us.  Our berth is also convenient for the casino, in case we decide to have a flutter in the pursuit of super yacht funding.

Distance covered today	31	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	1447	nautical miles
Distance covered 2018	2167	nautical miles
Steve (and Tricia)