Gibraltar West - 2006-05-12
The Old Rock |
We returned to the UK for a short break, leaving Chao Lay in the excellent marina at El Merimar. The sailing west to Gibraltar was uneventful, with light winds and old swell. The coast of the Costa del Sol being fairly uninspiring with its marketing gardening and tourist resorts was easily bypassed.
Gibraltar was a disappointment, with the marinas being rundown. We headed on through the straits very happy to be back in the Atlantic ocean. The Levante had been blowing for a week and the tide and current had been overturned, allowing a very fast passage to the town of Barbate. The colourful scene of the tuna fishermen at work along with miles of undeveloped golden sandy beeches had that timeless feel and all was well.
The passage along the Algarve coast was a mix of relaxed sailing and facinating ports. The rivers that have been the arterys for trade and life retain much of their orginal character.
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