We find ourselves in the allure of Ibiza. Our anchor has settled near a diminutive beach for the moment, but post-lunch, perhaps even earlier, we shall navigate to the marina, drawing closer to the pulse of civilization. From this vantage point, we can embark on a bus journey to the city center, immersing ourselves in the labyrinthine streets. This sojourn becomes imperative as our upcoming passage looms, one of the most protracted, exacerbated by a crew now diminished by a third, the captain nursing an injury. The sea mirrors serenity and tranquility; may it retain this poise for the foreseeable future. Navigating on such a placid sea is sheer bliss – an absence of undulations, the wind’s gentle caress, and no rain assaulting one’s visage. The vessel glides effortlessly under the hushed hum of the engine, yet slumber remains elusive. Alas, our encounters with fishing vessels, often bereft of navigation lights, cast shadows on this maritime idyll. Are these mariners courting peril, a deliberate dance with fate, envisioning an insurance windfall to bid farewell to their timeworn vessels and embrace retirement?
In collisions, the fisherman holds sway – an inherent advantage rendering the attribution of guilt improbable. Even those adorned with navigation lights prove no less treacherous. When hauling their nets, their focus narrows, oblivious to neighboring vessels, as they wield an advantageous position, compelling others to alter course preemptively. Occasionally, behemoth cargo ships or opulent cruise liners capriciously alter their trajectories, necessitating our nimble maneuvering. This necessitates a vigilant watchfulness, primed for any unforeseen contingencies.
During storms, the absence of fishermen offers some respite, yet the ceaseless rocking exacts its toll, rendering deck maneuvers during tempests perilous. When solitary on deck, an added layer of caution becomes imperative, a life jacket clasped securely, a safety harness a non-negotiable armor against inadvertent plunges into the abyss. Now beckons a moment of reprieve – a canvas of silence, beauty, with the newborn sun gracing the horizon. Jackets yield to the promise of a refreshing swim post a brief workout, an indulgence that beckons me presently. Wishing you all a splendid day!
A beckoning call from the marina in the city of Santa Eulalia des Riu heralds an available berth. We embark towards it, setting the stage for a bus journey to the capital.
Locating the bus stop, our trajectory unfolds from the town of Santa Eulària des Riu to the city of Ibiza – the island’s capital.
Thus, we wandered through the ancient castle of d’Eivissa (Castell d’Eivissa), meandered through the thoroughfares of the old town Dalt Vila, relished an evening repast at a charming locale, returned to the vessel, and prepared for the upcoming nocturnal crossing. A minor snag emerged with the electronic charts for the Atlantic region, a quandary that the captain is yet to unravel. However, time remains at our disposal. Until we reach the Atlantic, the existing charts suffice, and any updates can be procured in the subsequent port – Cartagena (“New Carthage” in Roman parlance).
The morning beckons with a 5 a.m. wake-up call, the vessel meticulously organized, setting sail for Cartagena. A nautical journey of around 200 miles awaits us, translating to a day and a half of sailing at an average speed of 5.5 knots. With favorable winds, we may attain speeds of 7-8 knots, potentially expediting our arrival. Regardless, haste is unwarranted, as navigating a port is best accomplished in daylight. Arriving before dawn necessitates anchoring or slowing down in anticipation of sunrise. The sea, currently a portrait of calm, invites optimism. Today, bathed in the glow of a full moon, the starlit firmament and lunar luminescence dance upon the sea’s mirrored surface. Let us hope the weather maintains its equanimity. As we pass by the port of Ibiza on the starboard side, even in this off-season, the maritime thoroughfare bustles, populated by super-yachts, cruise liners, and a myriad of smaller vessels – a composite farewell to Ibiza!
