West to East!
Are we nearly there yet?
Mike & Sarah
Mon 16 Aug 2010 15:26
|
38:37.76N 0:00.18E
10th August 2010.
On up the coast for about 45 miles, past the
spectacular cliffs and mountains around Benidorm to Mascarat. On our
arrival we crossed the zero (Grenwich) meridian, from west to east and
anchored in a small bay just to the east of Marina Greenwich in 5 meters over
sand. It seemed to be a reasonably safe location, sheltered from the light south
easterly breeze. Residential houses ranged around the steep wall of the bay. So,
around 20.00 hrs we decided to take the tender ashore for a couple of hours
and stretch our legs. Returning in darkness, with the exception of the odd flash
of lightening illuminating the sky behind the mountains to the
north, we clambered back on board. Whilst securing the tender into
the davits the onshore breeze suddenly backed 180 degrees and within
15 minutes had increased to over 35 knots as it howled down a steep valley
from the mountains behind the town. In the darkness, we initially failed to
notice that the katabatic wind had driven us offshore by about 2 cables.
Fortunately the anchor had reheld, albeit with a 2:1 scope. Judiciously we let
out more chain to restore the scope to a safer 5:1. Still the anchor
held. then, almost as suddenly as it started, the wind abated as the
lighteneing receded into the distance. It was still a restless night however, as
a heavy swell remained.
Oh well, early start planned for the
morning as we leave the Spanish mainland, bound for
Ibeza. |