A nightly customs visit 🛃 - Roquetas de Mar

Julie

There’s just enough wind to sail but the countercurrent slows our progress. Fortunately, the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant. As we approach the cape near Almería, we expect the waves and current to decrease closer to the coast. With gusts now reaching over twenty knots, we reduce the genoa. Along the way, three large dolphins swim under the boat—a special moment. For the final stretch, we switch to the engine which also benefits the battery. With only eight knots of wind and a destination directly upwind, we enjoy a peaceful cruise along the coast. Upon arrival, we find a suitable anchorage but the anchor doesn’t hold at first. After a second attempt, it sets firmly. We take the dinghy to the harbor for some chores and shopping. Upon our return, we are approached because we had docked our dinghy without permission, raising questions about how we will visit the town the next day. Later that evening, around 11:00 PM, we are visited by customs in a rubber dinghy. They quickly board and ask for our papers. As soon as Finn, our cat, appears, the mood changes immediately. The customs officer even goes inside to see our other cat, Nelly. They ask a few more questions, fill out some paperwork, and then leave. Another unique experience. The next day, we briefly consider swimming to the beach with a waterproof bag to explore the area, but we ultimately decide against it. Instead, we relax and clean the bottom of the boat. We read with amazement about the DANA in Formentera and feel sad for the stranded boats, prompting us to take the wind and rain warnings in this area more seriously. We bring the dinghy onto the deck and store the solar panel as it begins to rain. Although it initially seems like just a few drops, the wind suddenly picks up to 30 knots. We let out extra chain and deploy the storm snubber, keeping a close eye on the wind gauge. Though the wind gradually decreases, the waves remain rough, making for a restless night. Today, we plan to depart early to reach Almerimar by midday. The swell from the southwest should have subsided by now. Retrieving the 50+ meters of anchor chain is quite the morning workout, as the anchor is well set due to yesterday’s strong wind and waves, but we eventually manage to free it.

Boat & Crew

El Burro

Swallow Craft Design Group, Swift 33

Gregory Ramis Ferriol

Owner

Finn

Pet, Male

Nelly

Pet, Female

Julie

Owner