Sail to the Med: Algarve into the Mediterranean

Vicki and Andi Dunkel run sailing and diving holidays around Europe on board Isicia II, a classic 51 foot Beneteau First yacht. This year their route takes them from Scotland to the Mediterranean and here is a travelbite from their ship’s log:

Continuing along the fantastic and dramatic Algarve coast we made our way east towards Spain. To our surprise, we were still able to find lovely unspoilt anchorages along this well-developed coastline.

Winds were light and we had to use the engine for the first day – however the pod of bottlenose dolphins that accompanied us for some time more than made up for the lack of wind. The dolphins took great pleasure playing in the waves off our bow.

We crossed into Spain where we were trapped in Cadiz due to gale force winds in the Strait of Gibraltar.

After four days of sightseeing, relaxing on the beach and a daytrip to Seville, we made a decision with our guests to tackle the Straits.

After preparing the yacht and speaking to local yachtsmen we made our way towards Tarifa the most southern point in Europe.

With winds of up to 40 knots, Isicia II ploughed through the heavy seas with ease – good to know that we were safe on this ocean-going yacht.

As predicted by the weather forecaster, the most challenging part was around Tarifa. With waves crashing over the bow, we got soaked as we sailed around the point but it was all good fun.

By the time we reached Gibraltar, 20 miles further east, the winds abated and we were able to dry our wet weather gear and could enjoy the dramatic views of the famous Rock. Welcome to the Med!

The Costa del Sol is full of contrast, from fabulous anchorages and dramatic cliffs around headlands offering great scuba diving to package-holiday multi-storey apartment concrete jungles.

Nevertheless careful route planning will reward the yachtsmen with an attractive coastline. We anchored in Caleta de Velez, La Herradura, Adra and Aguadulce.

Reaching the more temperate waters of the Med we were now finally able to discover the underwater world. Lovely warm water, excellent visibility and schools of fish greeted our divers.

Diving off Punta de Cerra Garda near La Herradura and in Calahonda, we saw schools of ornate wrasse, scorpion fish and a moray eel.

Our next trip will continue along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca before crossing over the Balearics arriving in Ibiza.

To find out more about holidays on Isicia II (suitable for all experience levels) visit their website at www.sailaway.eu.com or call (+44) 07904 267 561.

	Diving in Cerra Gourdo
	The cliffs of La Herradura

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