Logbook – Dequesa – Estapona 22 Jul 24
We had headwinds forecast for later in the morning, so a prudent early start was needed to get to Estepona in good time. We needed to avoid the swell on entry and also have lower winds for our first stern to anchoring.
Unfortunately, fate brought the wind early so it was a lumpy motor into headwinds to make a challenging entry into Estepona. The entry is sometimes silted so that was an extra caution with a swell and a relatively shallow entrance. Fortunately there were no issues and we tied up against the reception pontoon without incident (or help) True to form, no-one answered either the booking Whatsapp request or the radio.
Booking in was fast and efficient and a marineiro was sent to help us by catching ropes.
Eclipse doesn’t like to go backwards and steering in reverse is difficult. So a short practise in open water and off we went.
By using the prop and rudder to turn the bow and reverse to back up to the pontoon, we slowly backed up to the dock. Fenders on booths side were precautions but not needed. The marineiro caught the lines and sent them straight back through rings on the dock and we tied off on Eclipse. Then a ‘slime line’ was lifter and hooked with the boat hook, and walked forward to the bow for securing. Sorted!!!!
Then it was just a little adjustment to get us close enough to the dock but not too close that we bounced on the fender.
And Relax!
Estepona (Link to Destinations Page ) is a great port and not overly expensive. We stayed a couple of days to explore and recharge.