Western Med
It’s been almost 2 years since our last post – an amazing 2 years spent exploring the Mediterranean Sea. We’ve traveled from Gibraltar to Greece and back to the strait with over 5000 nautical miles under our keels.
In November of 2023, as reported in our last post, we were approaching Gibraltar from the Atlantic. We passed through the Pillars of Hercules and into the Med to begin our exploration in this part of Europe. Shortly, we will once again pass through those Pillars back into the Atlantic Ocean and this time head south toward the Canary Islands.
The Pillars of Hercules
Our Route
In 2023, our first stop was in Gibraltar. Pretty amazing to see Europe on one side and Africa the other, explore The Rock, meet the Barbary monkeys and spend a little time feeling like we were back in England. There we also reset our temporary import of Echo into the European Union providing for another 18 months.
Echo approaching Gibralter
From Gibraltar we made a few stops en route to Cartagena where Echo would spend the winter.
Eartly morning departures
Beautiful Anchorages
During these stops we began to learn the art of the “Med Mooring”, a technique where boats are tied stern to the dock or quay and the bow is secured with lines anchored to the sea floor. We had been reading about the process as it was completely new to us. We have since used this method in varying ways and certainly have improved our skills with practice. It can be used here in the Med as there is very little tide change and it allows many more boats to tie to a quay than if they were side tied. Often times you’re just separated from your neighbor by the fenders strung along the sides of each boat. In Greece you use your anchor to secure the bow adding a new dimension to the process.
Using à Passerelle for boarding can be a little scary at times.
When Med mooring you need a “passerelle” for getting on and off the boat. We initially bought the one pictured here, later got an inflatable one which was a bit wider and longer. It can be entertaining and enlightening watching other boats as they execute the process, especially in Greece where anchors can sometimes become entangled and stress levels elevated.
In case you’re interested in learning more about Med Mooring, here’s a link to a good explanation from the Royal Yachting Association.
Cartagena was a great spot to learn more about Spanish customs and some of the history in the Med. By land we also visited many locations including Seville, Madrid and Barcelona. We loved our time in Spain, so many wonderful things to experience! It was very interesting to learn of the Moroccan influence in the Andalusian Region of Spain. The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is a vivid example.
Serrano Ham!
Roman Theater of Cartagena
Ruin of Roman Baths
Enjoying watching el paseo
Inside The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
As we set out in April of 2024 we had two great new additions. Having an address in Cartagena allowed us to order a StarLink antenna and an Oxley spinnaker. Needless to say StarLink has been an incredible improvement and has served us well along the way. We are able to use it without any restrictions while within 12 miles of the coast. Beyond that point we change our service to ocean priority which is more costly, $2.50 per gigabyte. In this mode we turn our devices to low data or off while not in use. They can still connect to the internet when needed.
Starlink Antenna!
The Oxley sail has been used many times when the conditions are right. Just recently we used it for many hours as we often had perfect downwind conditions and our son Brian on board to help with the sail handling.
The Oxley Spinnaker!
After a few stops along the coast of Spain we headed off to the Balearic Islands with our first stop in Formentera, a small rustic island just off Ibiza. We enjoyed the peacefulness here before heading to the more lively islands of Ibiza and Majorca. It was still early in the season so not too crowded and a nice time to explore. Brian and Katie joined us in Ibiza and we spent our time sailing and exploring. We said goodbye to them in Majorca where they headed off to the Pyrenees for some hiking in the Spanish mountains. They stayed in Llavorsí, a village in the Catalonian Pyrenees with some amazing hiking and beautiful mountain villages.
Anchorage in Ibiza
Beautiful Formentera!
Brian and Katie
Anchorage in Majorca
Exploring with Brian and Katie
The region of Catalonia is another interesting area where many speak Catalan. We had encountered this along the way. Brian and Katie were immersed in it while hiking in the Pyrenees. So many languages in Europe!
We moved on to Menorca which was much more low key than either Ibiza or Majoric. Here we enjoyed some quiet time and stocked up on some provisions before continuing on in our journey.
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Watch out for those pesky Orca’s around the straits’, I hear they like to play with rudders.
Wonderful read. We met in Lagoa across the river from Portimão
Jacqueline Moore
Toronto, Canada
The Med practically done, the culture, buildings and food are fabulous, we are so lucky to have it in our doorstep.
Hope to see you both soon, not sure where or when, but we would love to catch up soon xx
Love the blog! Glad to see pics of Brian & Katie. Enjoy and safe travels! XOX