Beautiful Cartagena 😍🏺

Julie

The engine starts and runs for a while, but eventually stalls just when we think everything is fine. In the meantime, we have checked and replaced every part of our diesel supply system. The only thing left to do is to remove the check valve in the diesel filter housing and install one in the line leading to it. After that, we have no other solutions left. The anchor comes up easily and we leave the bay of Portmán. Although the course could theoretically be sailed, the swell is still significant, so we use the engine. Fortunately, it's not far. As we pass the fish farms, the waves come from behind and Greg makes pancakes for breakfast. We enter the industrial port of Cartagena, surrounded by oil tankers, navy ships, sailboats, fishing boats, rocks, and old forts. There's so much to take in. We contact the port on VHF9 and receive an immediate response from a friendly marinero. He gives us instructions for our berth once we reach the harbor entrance. To our surprise, we are assigned a box instead of having to dock at the busy quay wall. The wind dies down, allowing us to dock in reverse without any issues. Checking in at the office goes smoothly, and we pay only 60 euros for three nights, including all amenities. The port even has a swimming pool, and we are right in the city center. We rinse off the boat, refill the water tanks, and gather our trash so we can explore Cartagena with peace of mind. Cartagena turns out to be a fantastic city: not too big and full of beautiful old historical buildings. We turn it into a real city trip, with dining out, visiting museums, and eating ice cream. Many museums are free on the weekends, such as the underwater archaeology museum and the maritime museum (where a donation of 3 euros is requested if possible). However, we do pay to visit a Roman castle (Castillo de la Concepción), but it was disappointing and not worth the 10 euros. It does offer a beautiful panoramic view of the city, but beyond that, it is not particularly special. The nearby amphitheater, on the other hand, is definitely worth it. We decide to stay another night. This gives us more time to shop, refill the water tank, install a check valve, and rinse off the boat. As expected, the engine now starts without any problems, but for how long?

Boat & Crew

El Burro

Swallow Craft Design Group, Swift 33

Gregory Ramis Ferriol

Owner

Finn

Pet, Male

Nelly

Pet, Female

Julie

Owner