A GREAT SUCCESS!

After a few refusal from Marinas on the feeble pretext that they were full (none of them would take an advance booking), the worried of Scorch got very edgy, even Chris looked concerned thinking about his 2 unwilling sailor, sea sick prone daughters with 3 young boys having to anchor, for a week, in unprotected bays at the mercy of the elements, not forgetting the demands on our 30ltr. an hour water maker for 7 on board, five of which are used to constant running water. But we need not have worried Rota Marina welcomed us with open arms; and what a delightful family oriented location!… “Only 1 week can be reserved for a visiting yacht” but 13 days later “You can stay as long as you wish” We relaxed for 10 days in the bay of Cadiz and quietly did what any terra Firma host would do: prepare for the family’s arrival.
Rota is a delightful holiday town, despite been overshadowed by the US Navy base, it had everything we could have wished for including wonderful beaches.
We visited Cadiz, one of the oldest Spanish cities founded by Phoenicians over 3000 years ago. The old town was charming. We sat on the Cathedral steps and were entertained by guitar players, bands and a fire eater.



Cadiz Cathedral




When the Clan landed we soon got into a routine and after lunch daily the dinghy would be loaded to the gunnels with folding chairs for the GRANDparents, 2 sun umbrellas, not forgetting the needed paraphernalia for entertaining the boys. We disgorged ourselves out of the boat to the same spot giving the locals a taste of how the British can entertain themselves. As the only foreigners on the beach Chris completed the very English scene with his straw hat, fully clothed, sitting upright under the brolley whilst the Spaniards, spreading themselves with everything out, bar the kitchen sin, looked on with curiosity.
The boys loved staying on Scorch. Ralphy thought he was on a permanent play boat
“Ahoy Captain”, telling us that is was going to be a pirate when he grows up. Connor drove the 10HP dinghy with great skill and expertise ferrying people to and fro on his own. Matty doing extremely well at the helm too, and Ralphy not to be left out, would sit next to skipper, with both hands on the handle, not looking where he was going but driving the dinghy at 2 speeds only – Slow or fast….
Both Mums adapted to the life aboard.

Our Australian friends S/Y All the Colours joined us half way through the week and the 6 children got on famously, especially the 2 teenagers (now firm emailers)
Chris, like the pied piper with boys in tow, went to the fish market to select lunch. The 20 minutes wait gave them a great opportunity to watch the fun. The boys became concerned when the pile of king prawns diminished before they were served, but soon to become very excited when fresh ones appeared. Calamari and a kilo of king prawns were cooked by the Captain, with the help of his young sous chefs. What an wonderful farewell lunch with Ralphy eating more than one would expect for his 2 ½ yrs. (A real little gourmet and gourmand..) as for the other 2 boys no encouragement was needed to finish the plates


Sightseeing makes Matty thirsty.



A good yarn, Mum!



Gosh this WIFFI is great!


Who are these Spanish people, Mum?


Modern technology on ancient steps



The day to say Goodbye came upon us far too soon.
We reorganised Scorch to a sailing mode in preparation for the passage to the Canaries.


The largest Gothic Cathedral in the world







Alcazar Palace Gardens







We visited Seville with its monumental Cathedral, the largest Gothic example in the world. The Alcazar Palace was amazing with beautiful gardens. We wandered into the Jewish quarters with its narrow, pretty and colourful alleyways full of restaurants. Although warned that it would be very hot in August, the temperature turned out to be perfect.

A good thunderstorm gave the rigging a good wash and cleared the air.

We anchored in Bay of Cadiz awaiting fair winds to get underway.