Jul 3rd 2005 - Denia to Ibiza
Posted at 8:05 AM, Monday, July 4, 2005
Departed Denia Marina today at 1030 in almost still conditions.
It was 29 degrees already by that time, so we took on a full tank of fuel and then sailed with the Bimini up.
We were lucky, for almost immediately a breeze came in from the south / south east and with some strength. So we hoisted the sails to blast off on the 60 mile trip, aiming for San Antonio on the west side of Ibiza, a course of 85 degrees.
The breeze stayed in for the whole trip - exceeding 20 knots at times - but apart from shared lunch and naps - it was an uneventful trip which saw us pass the islands off San Antonio by 1700 hours.
The breeze went round to the west as we crossed the bay towards the marina, so we dropped the sails and motored the last 5 miles. It's a pretty bay - lots of cala's to the south - and little high rise building.
Had an opportunity to help some girls when still 3 miles from the marina. We passed close by a pedalo obviously struggling to make headway against the breeze and diverted to see if they OK. It was four attractive British girls who on this first day of thier holiday - had paddled way out to sunbathe topless - and forgot the wind.
We passed over a line and with some laughs and guidance, got them to tie on the tow, and chugged slowly back to their beach. Could not get all the way in due to shallow waters, but the hire firm saw the predicament and sent out a RIB to get them.
That's my good deed for the week.
San Antonio Marina is a bit tired with jetties needing attention and a collection of mainly German livaboards parked up. We had to use the telephone to raise them as the radio calling seemed to be ignored, but we secured a spot and went in backwards OK.
Not cheap now we are in high season - 70 euros for the night - but it did give us an easy chance to run ashore and see the place.
We'd been told to visit the Club del Mer and watch the sunset - so did that. Stunning party place absolutely chocked with hundreds of pretty girls. The boy / girl ratio that night was severely unbalanced - my head went round like Twizzle just taking it all in. Great experience.
Super music - lots of firedancers - topless adverts - you name it we saw it - plus imbibed some quantity of booze. Ended up on a rooftop reastaurant eating cod and chips (yum) to end a good day.
Tip for anyone else coming here - don't bother with the marina - anchor immediately off the Club del Mer where one has at least 3 metres right close to the rocky 'beach'. It will save you money - and you'll enjoy the floorshow / music.
Off today towards the northern side of the island. Aim to circumnavigate back round to Ibiza town - then retrack on over to Palma for next weekend when Stu and Miora exit by plane on Sunday.
It's tough - I know.
JOHN