We stayed in the marina at Puerto Calero for four nights, until they needed their berth back for an incoming superyacht. They had put us in the superyacht area as we are one metre too long for their normal boat area – we spent the four days feeling dwarfed by the 49 metre superyacht “Christopher” next to us…as you can see below we look like one of their tenders!
Then on 1st October we headed further south to the southern tip of Lanzarote, where we anchored for a couple of nights. Anchorages can be a good option as there are no marina fees, you get more of a sea breeze to keep you cool, and you can swim from the boat. The frequent ferries nearby however meant that this anchorage was quite rolly – whenever the wake from a ferry reached us, whether eating a meal or during home-schooling, we needed to pause and hold onto anything which might be knocked over.
In an anchorage it also helps to have a dinghy with which to reach the shore. After several months (including in Gibraltar) since the dinghy engine was last used, it was not going to start. Will checked the fuel line, checked the spark plug, changed the spark plug all to no avail. A blocked carburettor was diagnosed and Will decided that was beyond his expertise. So, feeling the need to occasionally be on land we decided to go into the nearby Marina Rubicon for a few nights to have the outboard looked at. This proved a hit with the girls as it had a swimming pool which we could use!
We explored the area and walked along to a beautiful cove for lunch one day, through the dry volcanic landscape of the southern coast.
Once the dinghy engine was fixed (yes it was a problem with the carburettor), it was time to head out to anchor again, this time at a more tranquil bay (Punta Papagayo) along the coast. Lucy and Will did plenty of swimming from the boat.
We then had a journey of around 95 miles remaining to reach Gran Canaria, where the ARC+ rally will start from on the 5th November. With a number of issues to be fixed or checked (including the temperamental engine, the generator which has started producing dirty exhaust water, a patch on the headsail needing repair, JonBuoy repair and a reinforcement needed for the autohelm) we decided to head straight there, to give sufficient time for all the issues to be looked at. Starting late afternoon on Tuesday we had a slow journey overnight in gentle breezes, with Valent sailing along at a stately 4 knots like the dignified old lady that she is. We even tried a spot of fishing, but unfortunately missed the bite that we finally got – so the previous night’s leftovers for supper.
We were able to enjoy both the sunset and the sunrise on our trip, and arrived into Gran Canaria just after sunrise on Wednesday 11th October. The marina here already has lots of ARC and ARC+ rally boats, with many more due to arrive over the next couple of weeks. We are on a pontoon reserved for family boats, and the girls are looking forward to meeting lots of children from the other boats as the rally start date approaches.
Thank you for all these updates – sounds like you’re all having a fantastic time. Morocco sound fascinating – it’s on my bucket list! Hope all engine issues get solved. Keep the updates coming – and the wonderful photos! Mxx
Good to hear that you’ve arrived ready for ARC+. I hope all the repairs can be done in time and you can have a rest before the next leg of your adventure! Lovely sunsets to look at while there. Love the photos. X
It is so nice to know that you are finally in Canary Islands! I’ve heard that is being unusually hot this days so be carefull with that. The girls look so grown up, happy and beautiful! xx
Welcome! We are in pontoon S across from you, also getting lots of work done and our son Seth is looking forward to meeting the girls as we are going to be doing the World Arc! Hopefully we can meet soon
More lovely photos, keep them coming.
Glad to hear that you managed to anchor off Papagayo and enjoy the pool in Rubicon.
Good to hear you have arrived for the start x x