We are here in the new marina now which looks very good in the brochures and on the little model in the marina office but it is not finished and only about a quarter full. Not a surprise as it only opened mid July and it takes time for word to get about. Only alternate pontoons have power and water so far and there is only one shower block with one washing machine and dryer. All the planned shops and bars are absent so far and the hard standing and lift are not started yet. The staff are very friendly and we are berthed alongside an American called Spenser and his Colombian wife. They have been living aboard for about 17 years and have been all over so he is a mine of information. Just up the pontoon are a couple bringing up their family aboard, I admire them, I can not imagine caring for a toddler and 9 month baby in a boat the size of ours!

We discovered why we could not get through to Marina Bay on the phone. They have introduced a prefix to all Gibraltar numbers and this was not mentioned in our Pilot Book which is a couple of years old.