Before departing Valencia Trilogy's decks were washed clean and the cabins were given the dust buster treatment. When the lines were released and the sails set, we enjoyed the Valencia vista, bathed in the morning light. The Sierra Calderona mountain range that hugs the coast to the south of Valencia is captivatingly beautiful, with ragged peaks dropping steeply into gently sloped valleys. Alas, some of the coastal national parkland had ugly urban development and there was an overall feeling that this section of the Spanish coast had been developed in a haphazard fashion, with a range of architectural styles that was not sympathetic to the landscape....what's new? Colin and Amelia tell us the Brits in the 70's moved to this coast in their droves and have been decidedly ignorant about their adopted cultural norms and have been downright insistent on all things British! However, the Spanish building codes leave a lot be desired, and many of these Brits have been caught out by buying poorly built homes that have rendered them useless.
We motor sailed for 30 nms into 10-15 knot SW headwinds, which meant the wind was on the nose all the way and it was rather slow going. We anchored inside the main harbour of Puerto de Gandia to get out of the wind and seaway but decided against trying to enter the small marina within the harbour due to the narrow, shallow entrance and the strong winds in the marina. We settled to our usual pleasant evening routine, cooking a curried lamb casserole for dinner and enjoying the cockpit ambience. Around 23:00 the winds had died down and we were serenaded with a siren blast from the shore, clearly indicating we were to move on! So, by the light of the quarter moon, we moved Trilogy out of the main harbour and anchored off the nearby beach for the night.
We were woken at 0800 by the local coast guard next morning, who politely asked to see the ship's papers. They had an impressive high speed patrol boat which no doubt could deal with the current refugee issues, if required. Fortunately, they were satisfied with our documents and left us in peace. The sea was glassy and it seemed surreal after the chop of the previous day. The wind lifted as we rounded a headland and before we knew it, Trilogy was flying along with a 25 knot southerly, the main reefed and the headsail full. It was a great ride and although Trilogy was heeled well over, we loved the way she lifted her performance.
We anchored in Cala Calce, snugged away behind Cabo de St Martin out of the strong wind. There was time for a snorkel and we had about 200 metres to swim to shore. There was a line of yellow buoys at about the 100 metre line and most buoys had a boat attached. As we made our way to shore, a polizia Guardia skidoo came towards me and I was addressed in Spanish by a very nice looking man! When I requested English, he immediately stated in excellent English 'it is dangerous to swim without a flag'. We all thought this was a bit odd, as in 4 years of Med sailing, we have never been approached about swimming to shore with a flag! However, all was revealed on our return trip when a crazy skidoo rider came blasting through the passage between us and Trilogy, totally oblivious to everything and everyone else!! We bunched up and watched and waited until he got sick of his donuts and outrageous speed. Perhaps the nice policeman needed to talk to him instead!
Colin and Amelia prepared a delicious chicken and capsicum recipe for our dinner and as the breeze subsided and the sun set, we relaxed in the beautiful cala over a few drinks. As the bravado heightened, a guessing competition commenced about the height of the unusually shaped and dominating steep rocky headland. Colin guessed most accurately and was within 3 metres of the 753 metres.