Almerimar to Cartagena in Day Sails

Hi everyone,

We departed Almerimar on the 18th and spent four days day-sailing to Cartagena.  We're now in the very smart Yacht Port Cartagena.  Along the way we overnighted in anchorages at Ensenada de Rodalquilar, Cabo Cope and Cala Silitrona.

Approaching Cabo Tinoso

Here's our overall track...

Overall 130nm Track

The first passage from Almerimar to Ensenada de Rodalquilar was a great sail.  It started with an interesting exit from the marina, directly into a short sharp chop kicked up by the WSW wind.  It was a slow motor as Zen Again hobby-horsed over the chop at 2 knots SoG.  Within a few minutes we could bear away and set sail.

Although it was a nice sail the sky was overcast and the visibility limited.  Rainstorms were passing by but we only caught a few muddy drops (water and presumably Saharan sand).  The wind was mostly 15-20 knots from the west.

Almerimar - Rodalquilar Graphs

Cabo de Gata from the SW

Cabo de Gata from the S

Passing east of Cabo de Gata

Approaching Rodalquilar

In the bay at Rodalquilar

View North from Rodalquilar

Rodalquilar Arrival Track

Rodalquilar anchorage was well protected from the seas passing by outside so we had a good night's sleep.

The second passage from Ensenada de Rodalquilar to Cabo Cope was a long motor.  The only wind came from passing rainstorms and was very light.  The skies were overcast throughout and the rainstorms brought more mud.  The mud dried out to a sandy coating over everything - deck, canvas, solar panels, rig, sails and crew.

Rodalquilar - Cabo Cope Graphs

Costa Blanca through the murk

Raining mud!

Approaching Cabo Cope

Anchored behind Cabo Cope

Cabo Cope Arrival Track

Cabo Cope anchorage was also well protected from the seas outside.  There were uncharted, unlit fishing nets close along the S side of the bay.  We spent an hour washing off as much sand as possible using buckets of sea water.  The next morning was sunny and a drone appeared overhead.  We've since heard from the 'pilot' who has offered photos, so we're glad we cleaned the boat up!!!

The third passage from Cabo Cope to Cala Salitrona was a good sail.  Wind was from the SW and from 6 to 25 knots.  And it was sunny at last!  The sea state as we approached Cabo Tinoso was confused, perhaps due to seas reflecting off the steep-to shore.

Cabo Cope - Silitrona Graphs

Sailing for Silitrona

Rounding Cabo Tinoso

Anchored at Cala Salitrona

Silitrona Arrival Track

Cala Salitrona anchorage was spectacular but rolly.  We could have anchored further south for better protection, but that would have put us in the strong gusts coming down the gully there.  Our track shows we checked it out.  Despite the rolling we actually slept pretty well.

Today we motored the 8nm from Cala Salitrona to Yacht Port Cartagena in the heart of Cartagena.  There was very little wind so we quietly donked along.  The harbour is a major naval base with a lot of warships in port.  The Spanish built pretty warships.  Entry to the marina was simple with the very helpful Marinaro having good English.

Silitrona - Cartagena Graphs

Sun rising over Cartagena

Approaching Cartagena Harbour

Entering Cartagena Harbour

Lots of Spanish warships in the Naval Base

Yacht Port Cartagena

Yacht Port Cartagena Arrival Track

Yacht Port Cartagena has expanded since the above old chart was published!

We're looking forward to spending a few days exploring the city.  Our next passages will be towards the Balearic Islands.