Spain - Andalucia
Cadiz
08/09/07 16:13
We spent the day getting in last minute provisions and preparing for the crossing to Africa. I had a day of minor malfunctions. Leaving my glasses in El Corte Ingles (recovered later) and dropping part of our starboard sidelight into the water while attempting repairs.
The sidelight problem was interesting. Voltage readings were erratic and when we traced the wire another Northshore jagged edge problem revealed itself. A hole had been drilled into the pulpit rail to route the wire through to the boat interior. This hole had not been smoothed after drilling and over time the insulation had rubbed against the sharp edging and been worn away. Water had gradually seeped into the wire which was badly corroded at both ends. It will have to be replaced but we made a temporary repair and installed the Bebi LED bulb at the same time.
We didn't finish until fairly late and dashed off to the Gran Teatro Falla to buy tickets for Flamenco de Cadiz. Before the performance at 21:00 we had to do a round trip by taxi to El Corte Ingles to pick up my glasses.
As we had purchased late our tickets were for the top benches (not seats). It was a lovely theatre and the performance a lot of fun with a fair amount of audience participation including a wonderfully rythmic slow clap when proceedings were a little late getting under way.
The sidelight problem was interesting. Voltage readings were erratic and when we traced the wire another Northshore jagged edge problem revealed itself. A hole had been drilled into the pulpit rail to route the wire through to the boat interior. This hole had not been smoothed after drilling and over time the insulation had rubbed against the sharp edging and been worn away. Water had gradually seeped into the wire which was badly corroded at both ends. It will have to be replaced but we made a temporary repair and installed the Bebi LED bulb at the same time.
We didn't finish until fairly late and dashed off to the Gran Teatro Falla to buy tickets for Flamenco de Cadiz. Before the performance at 21:00 we had to do a round trip by taxi to El Corte Ingles to pick up my glasses.
As we had purchased late our tickets were for the top benches (not seats). It was a lovely theatre and the performance a lot of fun with a fair amount of audience participation including a wonderfully rythmic slow clap when proceedings were a little late getting under way.
Cadiz
07/09/07 18:34
Departure day. It has been a very enjoyable month here and I have cleared my work backlog on the boat. That said, it would be difficult to recommend Puerto Sherry marina. It is over priced, and a long way from El Puerto de Santa Maria without any public transport links. A bit of a shame really as this area is spectacular with a lot to interest the visitor.
First up was a quick run into El Puerto to print out the insurance documents e-mailed to me. On the way back I purchased a replacement lifebuoy light. Then Tomas went round to Velas Climent to collect our new dinghy bag while I went and paid the marina fee.
Just as we were about to leave the skipper from "Ruby Tuesday" dropped by having just arrived. We had a quick chat and it is a shame he didn't arrive earlier as I would have liked to talk some more.
We went straight from our berth to the bunker berth. I had enquire whether they took credit cards and was told they did. And yes they did but their machine was malfunctioning so in effect they didn't. We took 105 litres of diesel at €1.10L and paid cash. Tomas phoned ahead to Puerto America Marina in Cadiz to enquire about berthing. No problem they said but as they had no 9m berths we woud have to pay for an 11m berth (€8 more). We declined to book.
It was 16:30 by the time we cleared Puerto Sherry and we then spent a couple of hours sailing around the Bay of Cadiz familiarising Tomas with the boat and gear. We had a good sail with 5.9 knots on the log at times.
On arriving at Puerto America we just motored in and were directed to a waiting berth and I went up to the office to register. Surprise surprise, we were allocated a 9m berth at a cost of €16.64 per day.
Tomas cooked another excellent meal and we ate on board.
First up was a quick run into El Puerto to print out the insurance documents e-mailed to me. On the way back I purchased a replacement lifebuoy light. Then Tomas went round to Velas Climent to collect our new dinghy bag while I went and paid the marina fee.
Just as we were about to leave the skipper from "Ruby Tuesday" dropped by having just arrived. We had a quick chat and it is a shame he didn't arrive earlier as I would have liked to talk some more.
We went straight from our berth to the bunker berth. I had enquire whether they took credit cards and was told they did. And yes they did but their machine was malfunctioning so in effect they didn't. We took 105 litres of diesel at €1.10L and paid cash. Tomas phoned ahead to Puerto America Marina in Cadiz to enquire about berthing. No problem they said but as they had no 9m berths we woud have to pay for an 11m berth (€8 more). We declined to book.
It was 16:30 by the time we cleared Puerto Sherry and we then spent a couple of hours sailing around the Bay of Cadiz familiarising Tomas with the boat and gear. We had a good sail with 5.9 knots on the log at times.
On arriving at Puerto America we just motored in and were directed to a waiting berth and I went up to the office to register. Surprise surprise, we were allocated a 9m berth at a cost of €16.64 per day.
Tomas cooked another excellent meal and we ate on board.
Puerto Sherry
06/09/07 18:49
The first job this morning was a visit to Velas Climent to arrange for some small adjustments to the work they had done.
Then a quick visit to the marina office. Finally my two packages had arrived. Delayed it seems by Correos slowdowns during the August holidays in Spain.
There has been no improvement in the weather. The forecast is still force 7 and gale force 8 winds. Yesterday, just down the coast near Barbate a fishing boat was overwhelmed by heavy seas and 5 people are missing.
Preparations for departure continued. The fresh water tanks were topped up with 200 litres and I bought some new padlocks and oil filters for the boat. The dinghy bag saga continued. Last September I was given a new dinghy bag in Gijon. Now, less than a year later, it is falling apart having been poorly constructed from inferior material just like the original bag supplied by Suzuki Marine.
During a safety gear check we discovered that an 18 month old Italian made lifebuoy light had failed due to extensive interior corrosion. Outrageous! It is supposed to be for marine use and the bit that failed, the mercury switch, had never been exposed to seawater. The failure was caused by condensation but coating the interior bits with vaseline would have prevented it.
Tomas made another visit to Velas Climent to arrange for a new bag to be made. It should be ready tomorrow. They had also finished the adjustments to the sprayhood and new sail cover.
With two people aboard again we will have to stow everything more efficiently. Tomas rearranged the galley and food storage and we set off to SuperSol with a big shopping list. I was on trolley driving duty while Tomas did the shopping. We left with a large load which, in addition to the food already on board, be sufficient to reach the Canaries even though we will be stopping in Morocco.
Back on board all this had to be stowed which it was although nets containing fruit, lemons, and onions are hanging at various points around the cabin.
Later Tomas prepared an excellent salad. He likes cooking. I like the fact that he likes cooking.
Then a quick visit to the marina office. Finally my two packages had arrived. Delayed it seems by Correos slowdowns during the August holidays in Spain.
There has been no improvement in the weather. The forecast is still force 7 and gale force 8 winds. Yesterday, just down the coast near Barbate a fishing boat was overwhelmed by heavy seas and 5 people are missing.
Preparations for departure continued. The fresh water tanks were topped up with 200 litres and I bought some new padlocks and oil filters for the boat. The dinghy bag saga continued. Last September I was given a new dinghy bag in Gijon. Now, less than a year later, it is falling apart having been poorly constructed from inferior material just like the original bag supplied by Suzuki Marine.
During a safety gear check we discovered that an 18 month old Italian made lifebuoy light had failed due to extensive interior corrosion. Outrageous! It is supposed to be for marine use and the bit that failed, the mercury switch, had never been exposed to seawater. The failure was caused by condensation but coating the interior bits with vaseline would have prevented it.
Tomas made another visit to Velas Climent to arrange for a new bag to be made. It should be ready tomorrow. They had also finished the adjustments to the sprayhood and new sail cover.
With two people aboard again we will have to stow everything more efficiently. Tomas rearranged the galley and food storage and we set off to SuperSol with a big shopping list. I was on trolley driving duty while Tomas did the shopping. We left with a large load which, in addition to the food already on board, be sufficient to reach the Canaries even though we will be stopping in Morocco.
Back on board all this had to be stowed which it was although nets containing fruit, lemons, and onions are hanging at various points around the cabin.
Later Tomas prepared an excellent salad. He likes cooking. I like the fact that he likes cooking.
Puerto Sherry
05/09/07 18:48
The weather forecast was ominous. Force 7 and gale force 8 east to south east winds. I had considered doing a shakedown sail in the Bay of Cadiz but we won't be going anywhere today.
Still no sign of my two packages although I received e-mails confirming both had been sent over a week ago.
Much of the day was spent familiarising Tomas with the boat and we collected the repaired sprayhood and new sail cover and sun awning from Velas Climent. On time and on budget. I'm a happy customer and I also bought 6m of awning fabric from them.
Later we went into El Puerto de Santa Maria to say goodby to friends who were leaving. Then we went to an internet cafe to do some printing. I needed to print 16 pages. The cafe was windows only so I had to e-mail the documents to myself, access them online using a Windows computer, and then print each document.
What a nightmare. What would have taken a couple of minutes on the Mac took an hour and a half on Windows. Each document had to be put through a horrible piece of software called, I think, Microsoft Photo Editor. Yuk!
On the way back our taxi driver recommended a good bicycle shop where I was able to buy new brake pads for the Brompton. Fitting these eliminated the screech when braking.
In the evening we tried out an Italian restaurant, Blanca Paloma, quite close to the marina. We won't be going back
Still no sign of my two packages although I received e-mails confirming both had been sent over a week ago.
Much of the day was spent familiarising Tomas with the boat and we collected the repaired sprayhood and new sail cover and sun awning from Velas Climent. On time and on budget. I'm a happy customer and I also bought 6m of awning fabric from them.
Later we went into El Puerto de Santa Maria to say goodby to friends who were leaving. Then we went to an internet cafe to do some printing. I needed to print 16 pages. The cafe was windows only so I had to e-mail the documents to myself, access them online using a Windows computer, and then print each document.
What a nightmare. What would have taken a couple of minutes on the Mac took an hour and a half on Windows. Each document had to be put through a horrible piece of software called, I think, Microsoft Photo Editor. Yuk!
On the way back our taxi driver recommended a good bicycle shop where I was able to buy new brake pads for the Brompton. Fitting these eliminated the screech when braking.
In the evening we tried out an Italian restaurant, Blanca Paloma, quite close to the marina. We won't be going back
Puerto Sherry
04/09/07 18:47
No sign of my mail so I e-mailed suppliers seeking shipping confirmation.
On board I freed up some storage space for Tomas who is due to arrive today. I enquired at the marina office about obtaining outward clearance as we will be going outside the EU to Morocco. Carlos, who was snippy with me the other day, suggested I go to the police station. I don't think so.
A problem has developed with the brakes on the Brompton. A load screech is emitted when the brakes are applied. It must be the brake pads but there looks to be plenty of unused compound.
Later Tomas telephoned to say he would b arriving at around 21:30
He duly arrived on time and after freshening up we went into town for drinks and tapas with friends.
Returning to the friends house we found a young couple dancing on the roof terrace.
Tomas likes dancing, first with our host...
....and then with the girl from the roof terrace.
On board I freed up some storage space for Tomas who is due to arrive today. I enquired at the marina office about obtaining outward clearance as we will be going outside the EU to Morocco. Carlos, who was snippy with me the other day, suggested I go to the police station. I don't think so.
A problem has developed with the brakes on the Brompton. A load screech is emitted when the brakes are applied. It must be the brake pads but there looks to be plenty of unused compound.
Later Tomas telephoned to say he would b arriving at around 21:30
He duly arrived on time and after freshening up we went into town for drinks and tapas with friends.
Returning to the friends house we found a young couple dancing on the roof terrace.
Tomas likes dancing, first with our host...
....and then with the girl from the roof terrace.
Puerto Sherry
03/09/07 15:49
A replacement the Furuno Navtex arrived this morning from the UK. The existing one should not have failed but suspect it was damaged during battery testing a couple of weeks ago. As everything was already in place I only had to disconnect the cables, slot the new unit in and reconnect. It worked perfectly.
I visited Velas Climent to check on the new sun awning and to enquire about a new sail cover and repairs to the sprayhood. The awning is progressing and they said they could make me a new cover and repair the sprayhood by wednesday afternoon. Excellent.
My new crew, Tomas, should be arriving tomorrow so I spent some time freeing up some storage lockers for him.
In the evening I visited the Hotel Duques de Medinaceli for a glass of wine in their beautiful garden before going on for tapas elsewhere.
Hotel garden.
with very tall palms..
Early evening, El Puerto de Santa Maria.
I visited Velas Climent to check on the new sun awning and to enquire about a new sail cover and repairs to the sprayhood. The awning is progressing and they said they could make me a new cover and repair the sprayhood by wednesday afternoon. Excellent.
My new crew, Tomas, should be arriving tomorrow so I spent some time freeing up some storage lockers for him.
In the evening I visited the Hotel Duques de Medinaceli for a glass of wine in their beautiful garden before going on for tapas elsewhere.
Hotel garden.
with very tall palms..
Early evening, El Puerto de Santa Maria.
To Vejer de la Frontera
02/09/07 16:51
A guided tour inland from Puerto Sherry had been arranged for an elderly Spanish chap, and I was invited along.
We travelled inland to Medina Sidonia where we had lunch at a Venta (roadside restaurant) just outside the town.
Then we drove more or less south to Vejer de la Frontera. A very attractive town where we stopped for a couple of hours.
Vejer de la Frontera along with many towns suffixed with "de la Frontera" were built on hills for defensive reasons.
Lots of palms along the walk uphill.
La Gran Taberna de la Plazuela
Virtually every building in the town is painted white. The colour contrast with trees and sky is striking.
Puerta de la Segur dating from 10-12th century.
Our guide with the other tour member, Tony.
View down an alley with the new town beyond.
Mural of traditional dress for women in these parts until not too long ago.
The lovely Plaza de España, Vejer de la Frontera.
Self in Plaza de España.
Our tour guide.
A frog in the beautifully tiled fountain, Plaza de España.
A view from the ramparts looking north.
Afterwards we drove down to the coast near Conil de la Frontera where our guide decided to take us closer to the shore ignoring a no entry sign by an old Guardia Civil barracks near the ancient Torre Nueva. Unfortunately some Guardia Civil Trafico and Municipal Police were lurking behind the old barracks. Our guide very impressively talked her way out of a traffic ticket.
We were overlooking a lovely long beach stretching SE to Cabo Trafalgar in the distance. The famous sea battle took place not far from here.
All in all a very enjoyable tour.
We travelled inland to Medina Sidonia where we had lunch at a Venta (roadside restaurant) just outside the town.
Then we drove more or less south to Vejer de la Frontera. A very attractive town where we stopped for a couple of hours.
Vejer de la Frontera along with many towns suffixed with "de la Frontera" were built on hills for defensive reasons.
Lots of palms along the walk uphill.
La Gran Taberna de la Plazuela
Virtually every building in the town is painted white. The colour contrast with trees and sky is striking.
Puerta de la Segur dating from 10-12th century.
Our guide with the other tour member, Tony.
View down an alley with the new town beyond.
Mural of traditional dress for women in these parts until not too long ago.
The lovely Plaza de España, Vejer de la Frontera.
Self in Plaza de España.
Our tour guide.
A frog in the beautifully tiled fountain, Plaza de España.
A view from the ramparts looking north.
Afterwards we drove down to the coast near Conil de la Frontera where our guide decided to take us closer to the shore ignoring a no entry sign by an old Guardia Civil barracks near the ancient Torre Nueva. Unfortunately some Guardia Civil Trafico and Municipal Police were lurking behind the old barracks. Our guide very impressively talked her way out of a traffic ticket.
We were overlooking a lovely long beach stretching SE to Cabo Trafalgar in the distance. The famous sea battle took place not far from here.
All in all a very enjoyable tour.
Puerto Sherry
01/09/07 15:27
Early up and off to the hardware shop to get some dowel for the new awning and mosquito netting for the companionway.
I also had to install a new battery. There was a small amount of dilute acid at the bottom of the battery box. The only source of this as far as I could see was the breather holes on the batteries. The new battery is 100 A/H Lead Acid and sealed compared with old Numax 110 A/H which was not sealed.
It is my understanding that non sealed lead acid batteries are best. However they seem to leak some acid no matter how well they are cared for.
Of the three identical batteries one read 12.62v which is fine, one 12.55v and one 12.50v. The one with middle reading seemed to lose its charge quicker than that with the lowest reading. I decided to let them both stand for a couple of hours and replace the one that lost its charge the quickest. This turned out to be the starter battery which was duly replaced.
On Kiriwina the battery box has not been well thought out. It comprises some wood partitioning in a GRP bay and is not acid proof. This is particularly stupid as there are heating ducts, gas pipes and electrical wiring routed directly under the battery box. At some point this problem will have to be solved either by lining the battery box with acid proof materials or with individual acid proof battery boxes. It also needs to be better ventilated.
Battery box with new starter battery on the left and two Numax house batteries on the right.
a
The rest of the day was spent re-stowing lockers.
In the evening I visited a series of tapas bars and clubs most of which very full. After a very good time I crawled into my bunk at 05:00.
I also had to install a new battery. There was a small amount of dilute acid at the bottom of the battery box. The only source of this as far as I could see was the breather holes on the batteries. The new battery is 100 A/H Lead Acid and sealed compared with old Numax 110 A/H which was not sealed.
It is my understanding that non sealed lead acid batteries are best. However they seem to leak some acid no matter how well they are cared for.
Of the three identical batteries one read 12.62v which is fine, one 12.55v and one 12.50v. The one with middle reading seemed to lose its charge quicker than that with the lowest reading. I decided to let them both stand for a couple of hours and replace the one that lost its charge the quickest. This turned out to be the starter battery which was duly replaced.
On Kiriwina the battery box has not been well thought out. It comprises some wood partitioning in a GRP bay and is not acid proof. This is particularly stupid as there are heating ducts, gas pipes and electrical wiring routed directly under the battery box. At some point this problem will have to be solved either by lining the battery box with acid proof materials or with individual acid proof battery boxes. It also needs to be better ventilated.
Battery box with new starter battery on the left and two Numax house batteries on the right.
aThe rest of the day was spent re-stowing lockers.
In the evening I visited a series of tapas bars and clubs most of which very full. After a very good time I crawled into my bunk at 05:00.