Las Palmas - Gran Canaria
Posted at 8:03 AM, Monday, October 15, 2007
Nice to arrive.
The facility is a large public (not private) marina so prices are moderate (around 12 euros a day for us) with lots of berths plus a secure anchorage area inside the hrabour proper. A bit 'concretey' but perfectly adequate with good shops not too far away, and adjacent nice beach, and clean loos etc.
Lots of real 'livaboards' stay here and easy to see why - although many of their boats make them look like waterbound tramps. Guess once they park up for longer terms (and its clear many have been here for years) then the deck piled junk begins to accumulate.
Possibly 20 ARC yachts already arrived and number growing at 4/5 per day. The marina managers seem busy ensuring other non ARC cruisers are moved out to keep spaces free - but sadly it meant two pals (Bob and Amy on Skalliwag) who were hanging around waiting for the start of their rally over to Brazil, had to clear off and find another port. We wish them well as their route is via Senegal then Barzil and the Amazon. Sounds fabulous.
Caught up with two crews off other Hanses awaiting for the ARC. From the sound of the race crews it looks like the run over could get competitive!! We'll just have to do our best and trust in good seamanship and a dose of luck for our 3 manned craft to keep up with the six manned 461.
The marina itself is set up well - with 3 well stocked chandleries, mini mart etc. Close by there is a large industrial area with a variety of small units who work stainless steel etc - so seems one can get lots done here.
We're just about ready to go - but still find it easy to be tempted into buying new bits when you see them on the shelves.
I'm currently in the UK having shot back for a short weekend on 'business'. Company annual Conference. Feeling a tad jaded even 48 hours later. Was super fun, but will also be ggood to get back on the boat later tonight. Sues been sitting it out riding shotgun on Swagman, as they say security here is a worry. I know she's been bored stiff if the number of phone calls is anything to go bay.
Actually, if I were to want a run back to the UK from this region again, I'd suggest it's possibly best to go to Tenerif or another 'holiday' island - as flights from Las Palmas are pretty thin on the ground - and not in the cheap bracket.
Sue reports the weathers good - 30 degrees and sun - but not suprising the wind has arrived as per orginal forecast so if we do decide to head off and cruise other islands twix now and rally start, then we should enjoy a good east / west sail.
Oh - so good to see the poms do the French at rugby. So sad the Argies could not keep it up against the Springboks. But for what were termed a 2nd rate team they put on a good effort - and as an ex forward I find their style of game entertaining. Better luck next time Agentina.
It looks like it will be a tough one for England next weekend and I'm hoping the 'new team spirit' prevails. I'd hate ot see a repaet of the earlier whitewash in a finals game, so will tranfer my alliances and hope they can somehow do it. C'mon England!
I'll catch you later with some pictures.
Cheers
JOHN
{ add comment }