Mediterranean Spain, Costas del Sol and Blanca

Publisher: Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd, 5th ed., 2005 £ 29.95 .

It is eleven years since I was in this area and it is amazing how much has changed.  For example, heading for Moraira, where I planned to refuel two thirsty GM 550s in a Birchwood 54, with a Leveche blowing strongly on shore, the Pilot warned me off with words like dangerous to enter in strong southerlies.

A cautionary approach showed large breaking waves but now it is ‘one of the easiest to enter in bad weather and well sheltered from wind and waves once inside’.  Moreover, just along the coast the new Marina Greenwich would have been attractive when nursing my rapidly dwindling fuel levels…  As it was the only ‘safe’ harbour ’for all wind directions’ within range, according to the Pilot was Altea. 

However, as we approached the breakwater at Altea, we were lifted in by large breaking seas and the harbour master expressed astonishment that anyone should have braved such conditions!

It just shows how important it is to have an up-to-date Pilot book on board.  I was once told that the’ hard bits don’t move’ but they do when breakwaters spring up around ancient fishing harbours to make then much safer.

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