Sailing on the Costa del Sol

							Title:
Sailing on the Costa del Sol

Word Count:
2062

Summary:
This article looks at the anchorages, harbours and marinas a sailor will
come across when sailing off the Costa del Sol, the stretch of Andalucian
coast commencing at theUnited Kingdom colony of Gibraltar and running
eastward as far as Cabo de Gata. Also included is some general
information on: Bureaucracy, the boat and crew, currents, tides and the
weather.


Keywords:
Cruising Guide, Harbours, Harbors, Marinas, Moorings, Anchorages


Article Body:
Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can
visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a
passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to
extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day
extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the
yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if
entering Spain for the first time. The vessel's registration papers and
the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of
competence, evidence of the boat's VAT status, a crew list with passport
details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be
required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a
"permiso aduanero" . This allows for an indefinite stay in the country
and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries.
Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be
imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any
twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by
prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal
requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag
together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area.
An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in
the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra
hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning
or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a
must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer
months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem
and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils,
insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should
be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is
underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery
of sunstroke.
There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing
through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the
north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western
end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the
further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is
consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the
summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown
gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the
"tramotana". It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale
force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow
in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the "levante" can also blow
for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm.
The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer
temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15
degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the
Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the
notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar's three marinas with 350 berths. Most
berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and
electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a
chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars.
There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina.
Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar's other two marinas.
Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the
complex you will find several restaurants and bars.
Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early
18th century and for most of it's history since that time Spain has been
trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the
rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time
or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many
of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of
how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most
definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation
as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral
Lord Nelson's body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his
famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of
Trafalgar. Nelson's body was returned to Britain for a hero's funeral but
many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the
rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the
rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up
here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it
that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A
rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain
during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling
population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by
apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been
inspired by Portofino. There are
sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and
squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of
the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to
noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and
bars. The marina offers free medical care to it's users. There are sandy
beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes
walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares
which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich
and famous is another bus journey away. Don't expect to see the famous on
the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive
up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of
restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices
reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina,
hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several
Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex.
Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the
marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This
can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist
developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months.
Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within
the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of
the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town
itself is well worth exploring. Don't miss the famous Orange Square which
can be found at the heart of the city centre.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian
style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise
developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for
transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm
there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side.
Cabopino beach, with it's fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on
the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is
both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be
obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina
but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of
water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W
gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise
blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in
the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises
including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and
bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either
side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.
Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa
del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo
de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the
"City of Flowers" is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on
foot from the port.

The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga.
Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W -
SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable.
Harbour charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to
east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a
visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing
development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE - E produces a limited
amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer
months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the
yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of
Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the
Alpahurras valley, with it's charming villages, towered over by the
magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a
commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either
side of the harbour.

The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been
in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The
continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance.
Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side
of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of
development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over
1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when
some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are
low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del
Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast
is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated
both for the vast number of acres under cover and it's ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from
the SE - NE make the harbour uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind
from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable.
The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming
pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to
merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.
The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club
de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures
close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel.
Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell
that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a
Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.