21st to 31st Aug; Real Club Nautico Marina and Marina de Motril - part one:
When Rob went to “check us all in” this morning, in Club Real, Rob was told that the gym is not only just for members but that it is also closed for August! How disappointing. The marinero then apologised and said that he has allocated us the wrong berth by mistake, and that we need to move by 12pm! It’s now 11.15. Great. So Rob spoke to Roberto from Marina de Motril, next door (where we are being lifted out on the 1st) to check their availability. They have a space for us – and they are €5 per day cheaper. Nice! If the gym was available, we would have stayed. It’s such a shame for Jack. Twenty minutes later, though, we were all slimed up and in the marina next door, bows-to this time. This marina also had steps available, which we could borrow, and the marineros set up them for us. How kind.
We noticed late yesterday, that the lid to our fridge wasn’t sitting as snugly as before. Two of it’s four supports underneath had come away – and its third was very loose. Luckily it’s fairly empty, so Rob transferred all of its contents to a cool bag, and then re-secured the supports. Whilst there, he removed the cool plate and turned it upside-down. This gives us more space now at the top half of the fridge. Good work! After which, as it’s still so very hot, we went to the beach for a swim. The sea is much cleaner here than at Estepona!
The following afternoon, Rob found water in our lifejacket locker! So much so that he was surprised that a lifejacket hadn’t gone off! Not good! The locker was emptied (obviously) and the jackets were put out on deck to dry. Rob then removed and washed the carpet liner – which is now also out drying. He says that this water was also a result from our engine. So that’s a relief! BUT then he discovered a small weep under our table! Uh oh! It’s not fresh water either, it’s sea water! Double Uh Oh! When she is lifted out next week, this can (and will be) repaired by fibre-glassing – but it is a worry.
The next day, the 23rd, Rob rearranged the engine bay to take the new strainer that he was given a while back. This will make it much easier for him to inspect the engine when under way.
Next morning, Rob fitted a new wooden back support and the new strainer. It needs a new pipe before it can be finished. Later, we dragged Jack to the bar hahaha! Rob and I went for our daily swim later and then we stopped off for (another) beer! Happy Days!
During breakfast the next morning, I found a chandlery within walking distance! Yay! So after breakfast, we made our way there, hoping it is open on Saturdays. It is! It looks promising and the guy seemed really helpful too. Rob said that he will return on Monday with a sample of the hose that he needs. It is SOO hot. On our way back to Hoopla, we came across a cafe under a huge tree. We stopped for a much needed caña – and was given fantastic free tapas! So we decided to stay there for lunch too 🙂 Later that evening, the forecasted winds (of 20+ knots) picked up. We went on deck to check that all was secure and it was so strange! It was like walking into a fan oven!! We saw Roberto (the marinero in charge) walking up and down our pontoon. He told us that a slime line has snapped on one of the boats on our pontoon! It was one at the end and Roberto managed to replace it. Phew!
At 12.45 on the 31st, our hire car was delivered! We have this now until the 15th. It is smaller than we thought! We might have to do two trip’s with our luggage to the Airbnb tomorrow! Rob and I popped into Motril for lunch, making full use of the car! It was good to have a look around and we still managed to get to the at the beach for 7pm. I can’t believe it is still so hot at 7pm! Sigh. Rob, Jack and I packed and loaded up the car while our dinner was in the oven (pizza) As we thought, we will need to do a second trip over weekend.
1st Sept : Marina de Motril - part two: LIFT OUT !
We were dead to the world when our alarm went off at 7am! Ouch! We stayed in denial until 7.20 hahha! We’re all ever so slightly nervous about the lift out that’s happening today! But we still slept very well! At 8am, we were all preparing Hoopla for liftout. We want to be ready by 8.30 as the marineros are due at 9am. We just about remembered to take down our Hoopla spray dodgers! It is now 8.50, all is done and we are now just waiting for the marineros. But, would you believe, that at just after 9am, the marineros arrived and informed us that we now need to wait for a ferry to clear! We watched the ferry leave and at 9.20, Rob slowly motored Hoopla out of her mooring and steered Hoopla into the huge slings that were attached to the travel lift…The slings were fitted smoothly – all by remote control! I’m now getting really, REALLY worried about being on board while being lifted out. That was not what I had signed up for 😀 Hoopla was slowly lifted up and up, until she was level with the yard. All was going to plan! The slips stayed in place! Then, we were asked to get off! Phew! Of course, I was first off 😀
Hoopla then continued slowly being lifted up and out. There were lots of discussions after about weight points and what working areas were needed to be kept free. We were then told that they need to arrange a space for Hoopla, which meant coffee time! Unfortunately, as we had left Hoopla in such a hurry, we had all left our wallets onboard! We was given an IOU behind the bar!
Finally at 1pm, we saw Hoopla being moved onto a trailer! Yay! And then taken off again! Boo! More scratching of heads by the marineros. Shortly after, largish blocks of wood were put on the floor, underneath her, and she was lowered onto them, all very gently and very carefully. Four lots of side supports were then added and then the slings were removed. Phew!
By 2pm, we were all onboard packing up our rucksacks and making her as snug as a bug in a rug. Storms are due over the weekend, so we needed to secure her sails, remove the bimini and anything else that could get damaged. We have just been advised that Hoopla is in this spot until Monday. They will clear a space for Hoopla over weekend and will need to move her again. Not great! But not much we can do about it either. So we paid up our bar bill and at 3.30, we were having lunch in Burger King in Motril. Where does Jack put it all?
At 4.45, we met the Airbnb owner in a petrol station, as arranged. We then followed him up and up and up, and round and round the mountain. At times with VERY narrow roads – the width of the car – with a sheer drop the other side! Gulp!
We arrived at an absolutely stunning place! It was rustic and had a rural layout. Around the back, on the way to the pool, we found some vines FULL of kiwis Just wow!
Rob couldn’t resist the pool and went straight in for swim. He says it’s just the same temp as sea – but it looks a little cooler to me! We soon met a mummy cat and her five kittens! They are SO cute! All with pink noses! Jack is very pleased! Rob & I had to pop to the supermarket for supplies – and bought cat treats as well! Hahaha! I really think we are all going to like it here!
2nd to 17th Sept; Marina de Motril - part three:
We all had a bit of a disturbed night last night, our first at the Airbnb,which I was surprised by. This place is so comfy! Rob and I ended up watching a lightning display going on below us in Motril, from the patio, during the early hours. It was a great show! During breakfast we heard a cockerel and a donkey! Hahha! We also heard thunder at around 9am but we didn’t actually have any rain. That’s good!
Rob left at 10am for Hoopla, while Jack was still in bed! He eventually had his breakfast at midday! 😀
Pete arrives tonight (3rd Sept), landing at 11.30pm, in Malaga. He is very kindly helping Rob with the 101 tasks that we have! Rob is meeting him at the airport and they will probably stay overnight aboard Hoopla. They did and they both arrived back here, at the airbnb, at 5pm, the next day. Pete loves this place! They both had a quick dip in the “refreshing” pool before chillaxing on the chairs on the patio.
Rob was told on the 5th by Roberto, the head marinero, that Hoopla has to be lifted back in the water on the 15th, or she’ll be stuck in the yard for quite a while! This is because they are bringing in a fishing boat! Uh oh! So now he can’t really afford the time away at Cartagena for Jack’s dental appt on the 12th. There is still so much still left to do! The plan we have now is that Rob will drop Jack and myself off on the evening of the 11th, in Cartagena, and collect us on the eve of the 14th. I can’t drive as I am not on the insurance. We were hoping that Rob could have a well needed break, but now that is not to be. It is so disappointing.
Both Rob and Pete got a lot completed the next day, though, and now Rob is feeling much more positive about finishing it all on time. No way could this be achieved without Pete’s help! Pete has booked his flights to Mallorca for the 18th. His plans are to stay there for a few days, catching up with family, before returning directly to Edinburgh on the 21st. I hope that we can all fit in a trip to Granada together, beforehand
The morning of the 11th is here, the day we head to Cartagena. Both Rob and Pete are working on Hoopla until 3pm, while Jack and I also plan on finishing school at 3pm and then we will pack for Cartagena.
Pete is staying on at the Airbnb while we are away. We were all packed and ready to go and we left at just gone 5pm. We had a 3.5hr journey through the mountains of the Sierra Navada. The views were Absolutely Stunning! A couple of hours later, we saw biiig black clouds ahead of us! We were in the storm at 7.15pm. We finally arrived at Katerina, our place for the night, at 9pm. We dropped our bags aboard and hit Burger King for tea for Rob and I, and Jack met up with his friends.
Jack’s check-up at the dentist went well the next day, followed by a lovely coffee and catch up aboard Gemini J. Rob and I then went to check on Giriz II in Ascar, Well Rob did, I didn’t! There was a VERY high stairway to get aboard it! This is where Jack and I are meant to be staying whilst in Cartagena. Sod that! I asked and, yes, Jack and I can stay aboard Katerina while we are here! Phew – a thousand times phew! Rob cleaned Katerina’s cockpit from the Sahara sand and then it was more catch-ups and coffees with friends. He didn’t leave Cartagena until 6.30pm! He arrived safely back at the Airbnb at around 11pm. Pete had had a very nice – and a very much needed – relaxing day 🙂
When the boys arrived at Hoopla the next day, Roberto approached Peter asking, not very politely, why weren’t they there yesterday as Hoopla now has to be launched tomorrow!!! Whaat?? Rob explained to the manager of the yard that he had actually informed the office that they wouldn’t be there yesterday. It appears that the message never got through. But Rob also informed her that Hoopla cannot be put back in the water any earlier than the 15th – the original date that we were given by Roberto. This was agreed in the end but it was so frustrating and stressful! We agreed that Rob will now come and collect us AFTER the lift in, as he cannot spare the time for the journey. Sigh. Meanwhile in Cartagena, it was day one of a major local event: Romans v Carthanians! This is a two week long festival, culminating in a battle at the end! We had parades, music, fireworks and lightening! Jack went to the fairground with his friends and was back onboard at 2.15am! Wow! Hahha!
Very quickly, the 15th has come around and it’s now LIFT IN !!! Rob and Pete were at Hoopla by 8.30am – but she was not lifted in until 5pm! This made for a very long day. But it all went like clockwork! Rob checked the hull and there were NO LEAKS!! Whoop whoop! They both hung around for a few hours, before they were happy to leave her for the Airbnb.
The morning of the 16th found me packing and tidying up Katerina! We borrowed a hose from Gemini J and Jack hosed down Katerina’s solar panels (I couldn’t reach them!). Rob & Pete checked over Hoopla and she still has dry bilges! Yay! Pete stayed on Hoopla while Rob left at 11am, to come and collect Jack & I. He arrived at Katerina at 2pm and we had a lovely coffee (again) aboard Gemini J. A quick meal in McDonald’s was had before heading off. We used the coastal road this time, as we were going to Hoopla to collect Peter. The views were not as outstanding as the mountain route, but pleasant enough. We finally arrived at Motril at 9pm. We met Pete in the bar where we had a lovely meal before returning to the Airbnb.
The following day, the 17th, was a much needed lazy, do nothing day, in our fabulous Airbnb !
18th and 19th Sept; Motril - the final Motril blog:
The morning of the 18th saw Rob taking Pete to the airport at 8.30am. Words cannot express our gratitude for all of his hard work that he did for Hoopla! They popped via the marina just to quickly check that Hoopla is all OK and dry (which she was!) and to extend our stay until the 20th with the office (again, all ok). Rob returned to the Airbnb for a chilled afternoon. Petes journey to Palma, Mallorca, went well, without any problems. We hope that he has a fantastic few days!
The next morning, after breakfast, it was pack, pack, pack! I had cleaned and tided up yesterday, so that we could leave the Airbnb at 1pm. We gave the kittens a fuss and a cuddle and we said our farewells to our hosts, before heading down the mountain for the last time, to Hoopla.
We had a nice lunch in the marina bar before unloading the car. Rob headed for the supermarket, while I unpacked, unpacked, unpacked! We are missing the kittens already 🙁
Rob and I reviewed the weather forecast over a beer in the bar, and quite strong winds are due this Thur eve/Fri morning (today is Monday). Because of this, we have decided to leave for Cartagena tomorrow, taking two hops! The first to Cabo de Gata, the second to Cartagena. Both legs will be 12/13 hours each! This is not what we had in mind at all. We had really wanted to take our time, stopping off and swimming in the anchorages en route. We also know that it is not a great idea to put our engine through it after her very recent major service and hull work, but we have no choice The winds also change direction too(!), so if we don’t arrive in Cartagena in the next few days, we could be here for 7+ days(!) The decision was made to be leaving here between 7 and 8am tomorrow, so that we can arrive at the first anchorage in daylight. An early night for us then hahah! Cheers!
The loonng list of work that was completed on Hoopla, 2nd to 14th Sept:
First, she was jet washed down and the barnacles were removed – not as easy task!
- Rob started fitting the new cockpit drain and he also removed the old engine inlet (which he always felt was too small for the size of the engine).
- Rob and Pete replaced the cockpit drain with the new yellow pipe. But, unsurprisingly, one end was smaller than the other! They both agreed that it was a “right royal pain”.
- Pete started to clean the propeller and rudder, followed by making a hole for the new engine inlet. Scary stuff!
- Rob started to grind out the slight crack in the hull (more scary stuff!). Poor chap only had about one foot of an actual working area. It made for a filthy, hard going job! He also made a start on the pipe work for the engine. Hoopla was moved on the 4th, at 4.30pm, to her permanent spot. This makes it much easier to work.
- Rob continued to grind out the corrosion on the cast iron grounding plate, which he then primed.
- Peter continued repairing the rudder (there is a lot of “give” in this).
- Rob ground out the rest of the keel plate and started epoxying it.
- Rob removed the bow thruster, prop and anode.
- Pete cleaned up the propeller.
- Rob cleaned out the bow thruster tunnel.
- They managed to source ALL the pipes that are needed for the new engine cooling system, at a nearby industrial tool shop.
- Rob fibre-glassed the crack/stress fracture in the hull (very scary!)
- Pete cleaned up ALL of the pipe fittings and he also undid the bolts from the propshaft.
- Pete removed the flange from the propshaft.
- Rob continued fibre-glassing the stress fracture.
- Rob began fairing and gel coating the stress fracture repairs.
- Pete is now sanding the coppercoat (to reactivate it). Both sides of a 36′ yacht!
- Rob anti-fouled the bow thruster tube and prop and re-assembled it (he also put a new anode in the bow thrusters).
- The new hull anode was fitted.
- The hull blisters were treated and epoxied
- Rob fibre-glassed the interior section of the stress fracture (this was not really needed, it was just an extra precaution).
- The space between the hull and the keel box was sicaflexed.
- The rudder slide was cleaned and anti fouled.
- The skin fittings were cleaned and anti-fouled.
- The new engine skin fitting was fitted with a new seacock.
- Rob finished the copper coating.
- Pete put the new stern gland on and he fitted the prop shaft back together with new tensile bolts.
- Rob connected up the pipework on the engine.
20th to 21st Sept; Motril to Cartagena:
As planned, we were up and about by 7.30am! But, literally over breakfast, we changed our plans from returning to Cartagena in two hops to making it in just one! So now we are heading straight to Cartagena ! Gulp! We’ve decided to do this just in-case the wind changes direction earlier than forecasted, which it has been known to do! We’ve been in Motril for nearly a month and on one side we’re more than happy to be finally making tracks but on the other, it would have been nice for Rob to have had another couple of days, just so that he could at least put his feet up for five minutes! But that was not meant to be and we slipped our lines at just after 9am – and our ETA is lunchtimeish tomorrow.
We motored out of the marina with the engine on tick-over only – and we are doing 5knts! On tick-over! Unbelievable! All thanks to a clean and gleaming hull! At 10.30am, Rob unfurled her sails and switched the engine off. We’re on 6knts with Goose-wing sails… happy days 🙂 At around 11.30am, Rob moved the Genoa over to the port side, which slowed us down to 5.9kn hahaha! We have stunning coastal views. Rob took us further out to sea so that we could achieve a better angle on the wind, as we had slowed down a little (4.5kn). It is currently 2pm and we are at 5knts, so we’re pleased with that. All under sail 🙂
We have just been watching a sailing vessel going in the opposite direction to us – directly into the wind, waves and swell ! I wouldn’t fancy that! It looked horrendous.
Wow! We have just had a flock of little birdies flying past our bows and off into the distance. Heading to Africa? Maybe…
It was at 9.30pm that we passed Gabo de Gata. This was meant to be our first anchorage, but we sailed on past. The wind has calmed down now, and it has turned quite chilly. I dug out our fleece blankets, which were very welcome. At 12am I turned in, leaving Rob and Jack on watch. Jack turned in at 2am and I rejoined Rob at 4am. Soon after, we started seeing lots of green lights! Not aliens hahha! Our first thoughts were that they are fishing net markers – but there was nothing on the charts and they were in random places. It is most odd. They can’t be lobster pot markers either, as the depth readings here are off the chart! We are giving them a wide berth, but, inadvertently, we sailed much too close to one, so we took the opportunity for a better look – but we still have no idea what they could be!
Finally at 6.30am, Rob turned in, leaving me on watch. It is so, so peaceful and the stars are so bright! It is a magical sail. Sometime between 7 and 8am, I witnessed a lovely sunrise. Slowly, I saw the stars go to bed and I then turned off our navigation lights. Unfortunately, I disturbed Rob when turning them off and he woke up and then joined me in the cockpit.
At 8.30am, I turned in for a while but I was back with Rob to see the Cartagena chimney come into view at 10.30am. Unfortunately, for the last few hours, we had 1 to 1.5m rollers! We are all very much looking forward to getting in! The last few hours are also the longest to get through but, by 1.30pm, we were all slimed up in berth F30. Our berth, F34, is currently occupied, but they will be leaving in the next few days. We will move to F34 when it is free. Now, however, it is siesta time! We woke up at around 5.30pm and were all feeling a tad jaded. Rob prepared dinner for around 8pm and it’s an early night for 2 out of the 3 Hoopla crew! But we are all pleased to be back 🙂
22nd to 30th Sept; Cartagena:
Our first night back here (home) and we all slept very well! We are so pleased to be back. We all agreed that the mad dash to here from Motril was a good idea, as we avoided the strong winds that arrived literally an hour after we had slimed up yesterday! Phew!! When we popped into town for a caña (a small beer) and a (decent sized) Baileys, we saw many troops of Roman and Carthanian soldiers, all marching to battle. They looked very impressive!
The 23rd started off very well indeed with coffee’s aboard Gemini J! Ascar joined us too, so it was a lovely reunion. We just need the crew of Katerina to be here for it to be perfect. It was early afternoon when we were ready to move to F34 (our berth had became empty earlier this morning). Unfortunately we should have waited until tomorrow morning as it was a little too windy to come in stern-to. We will have to turn her around in the morning, as we need to fit the pasarrelle. Ah well.
This was accomplished as planned next morning, at just after breakfast. We are now stern-to and the pasarrelle is fitted. This makes getting on and off Hoopla so much easier!
Late afternoon on the 25th, we popped to Casa Angel (the best fabric shop in town) and Rob bought three metres of white, UV protective material. He plans on replacing our current window covers. These are coming up to four years old and have seriously deteriorated in the sun. Then it was caña and Baileys time, in San Francisco Square this time! Happy days!
The following day was a very special day ~ my birthday I had a wonderful day! Rob was on teaching duty, so after a leisurely breakfast and the opening of my amazing gifts, I became a tourist for the day! I caught the 11am open top tourist bus of Cartagena, and I enjoyed the next hour of being driven around. The information was good too. A quick bite to eat before heading to the Amphitheatre museum. I’ve been meaning to come here even before we had arrived in 2020! So it’s only taken me three years I had a slow wander around the exhibits and statues before entering the Amphitheatre itself. It didn’t disappoint! I celebrated after with a cold drink and a slice of cake! It had to be done! The special day was finished off in an Italian restaurant. Delish and definitely no complaints from me! HmmHmm! On our way back to Hoopla, we came across the start of a huge drone display ! It. Was. Amazing! For me? Thank you Cartagena But no, it was to celebrate 100 years of Liqor 43, a locally made liquor.
The next few days continued with Boat School, Boat Work and with Rob working on the replacement window covers. They are coming along nicely – and gaining quite a bit of interest from passers by! There is also talk of the possibility of taking Hoopla out to La Azohia for the weekend, with Gemini J. How exciting! La Azohia is a lovely bay, at about three hours from here. Rob is desperate to go scuba diving as he hasn’t been able to do this at all this holiday, because of an ear ache. Jack is quite keen too, so fingers crossed that this comes off!
The last day of the month has arrived – and far too quickly if you ask me! Rob and I were up earlyish to complete the jobs that were left over from yesterday, and to prepare Hoopla for an overnight stay at La Azohia. Yes, we are going! Whoop whoop! Jack was asked to wash down and clean Gemini J. He did a great job and she is all sparkling. Jack enjoyed earning some cash (thanks Sarah and Nigel) and is now on the lookout for more work hahaha! Rob fitted the new white window coverings and they look amazing! Our good friends Sarah and Nigel, on Gemini J, arrived at the marina by car at around 2pm and by 3pm, we were all motoring out of the Marina, in our yachts! We both managed a 30 to 45 minute sail before the wind died and the engines were started. This was no bad thing for us, though, as ours hasn’t actually been switched on at all since Hoopla had all that work done on her in Motril! Well, she passed ALL the tests! Well done Rob & Pete! We arrived at the anchorage at 6pm, and we were all in the water by five past. Yes, even me! The sea temp is 27° so how could I not! It’s lovely, warm, and so, so clear. Gemini J had dropped their hook close by, and we were soon invited over for sundowners aboard – what a perfect end to a perfect day!
