Sunsets, bongos and the Ibizan vibe

Traditional fishing boat sheds, Cala Xarraca

Queen Victoria sitting on her throne!

With our problems behind us we set off at dawn from Santa Ponsa, unfurled the jib and, despite a nasty swell still running, had a nice downwind sail most of the way to Ibiza. Our American friends on Mandala were heading the same way so we arranged to rendezvous in Cala Xarraca, a large, relatively unspoilt bay surrounded by lush green pine forests on the north west side of the island. We anchored just in front of a row of traditional rustic fishing boat sheds with tracks leading down to the sea, typical of Ibiza. After a couple of nights at anchor we both continued on down the coast to Benirras, known for its spectacular hippy drumming sunsets, an iconic Ibizan hippy ritual established over many years. We got into the vibe with drinks in the cockpit aboard Mandala and with the accompanying drums we watched the sun go down behind a vertical rock which is said to have the appearance of Queen Victoria sitting on her throne! Sadly it was to be our last night together as we had to leave early the next morning to prepare for the imminent arrival of my sister and nephew.

Cala Xarraca

At anchor in Cala Xarraca

Hanging out on the fishing boat sheds, Benirras

Sunset, Benirras

At anchor in Cala Benirras

Mandala at anchor in Cala Benirras

We sailed south to San Antonio, filled up with diesel, and checked into the marina for half an hour. The marinas on Ibiza cost the earth but they offer a short, reduced fee visit to pick up water. Even then we had to work fast and only just managed to fill and wash the boat in the allotted time. We were unable to dinghy ashore due to strong winds and watched helplessly as boats all around us dragged their anchors. Thankfully we had scoured the muddy waters for what looked like a small sandy patch and our anchor held. As soon as the wind abated we dinghied ashore to stock up with provisions. We had time to enjoy one more stunning sun set before continuing south the next morning. Our hearts sank as we heard the all too familiar clunk when we started the engine and this time accompanied by clouds of voluminous white smoke. The problem would have to wait. We had a plane to meet so with fingers crossed that we'd survive the week we continued down the coast and joined the jet set at anchor in Cala Jondal.

                                                             San Antonio sunsets

Busy Espalmador and anchorage

It was Salsa night at the Tropicana beach club and we went ashore to join in the fun while waiting for Tanya and Oliver to arrive. With our additional crew safely aboard we set sail the next morning to Formentera. If we thought it was crowded last time we visited, it now resembled a busy car park which included the Saudi royal yacht Prince Abdulaziz, the 7th largest yacht in the world. Espalmador beach was as beautiful as ever despite the increase in bodies. 

Another sunset at Cala Benirras

Twilight at Cala Benirras

Watching the sun go down

Next day, with a big storm forecast, we decided to head back to Ibiza and return to Benirras which appeared to offer the best protection. We were sheltered from the wind but unfortunately the swell crept in and we had a very rock and rolly night. The heavens opened and the winds blew for most of the next day. Cards came to the rescue and I had great fun reacquainting myself with the game of poker. The torrential rain finally stopped allowing us to dinghy ashore for drinks and a stroll on the waterlogged beach. The dark skies didn't stop the drummers and Oli was happy as the beach sign turned out to be a Pokéstop and I actually witnessed my first Pokémon capture!

At anchor in Cala San Miguel

Tanya and Oli on our coastal walk

At anchor in Cala San Miguel

!!!!!!!!

The following morning with the sun shining once again we motored round to Cala San Miguel. We had a lovely lunch ashore followed by a walk round the bay. To avoid a long sail the following day we set sail again later that afternoon and dropped anchor in Cala Comte. There were more Ibizan sun set vibes as hordes of people gathered on the cliffs and cheered as the sun finally disappeared beyond the horizon.

Sunset at Cala Comte

Early morning at The Blue Marlin beach club, Cala Jondal

Poser at the
 Blue Marlin!

The next morning we made our way back to Cala Jondal as sadly Tanya and Oli were flying home to Madrid the next day. Tanya was keen to witness first hand the Blue Marlin, one of Ibiza's coolest and most famous clubs. With camera in hand we dropped her and Oli off at the Blue Marlin dock and parked the dinghy on the beach further up. We had arranged to meet them later in the Alegria beach bar once they had had their fill of skimpily clad girls in sequin bikinis sipping champagne on large sun beds that cost upwards of 100€ for the day. Finally, we returned to the boat with the Blue Marlin beat a distant thump in the background. Just as the club was waking up the next morning we dropped Tanya and Oli back at the dinghy dock. A taxi rocked up with club guests and Tanya and Oli climbed in for the ten minute journey to the airport.

Blue Marlin beach club babes

Walking on water,
Cala Jondal

We remained in the bay for a couple of days while we yet again scratched our heads and stroked our chins hoping for some mechanical revelation. We eventually came to the conclusion that it was time to seek professional help. With marinas in the Balearic islands charging upwards of 100€ for a night we decided that heading across to mainland Spain was probably our best option.

Cala Jondal

Cala Jondal