1st May – Ayamonte marina

Soundtrack: Are we human, or are we dancers? A catchy tune with bizarre lyrics which is on the playlist of the local radio station. Heaven knows who the singer is.

Since we’d expected to spend two weeks in the boatyard, we’ve still got loads of jobs to do before we set off. We’ve decided to return to Ayamonte as we know where to get things like stainless screws; epoxy; high temperature hose and other of life’s essentials. Moreover Chris’s invaluable workshop is nearby. And there are easterlies for the next week in the Strait of Gibraltar, so there’s no point heading south until the wind’s gone round the other way.

While painting the side-decks, I have a grandstand seat to watch some of the people who are staying here too. I reflect that the marina is microcosm of the types of yachtie folk you find everywhere.

There’s Nigel who’s so boat proud he’s terrified of going anywhere in case it will spoil the gleaming finish on his motoryacht. He’s got no takers to go with him to Seville since he doesn’t allow anyone to use the loo onboard. Maureen is chatting to the neighbours as usual. She knows everyone’s business as a long-term resident of the pontoon. She hates sailing but can be relied on to offer drinks/gossip/scandal to anyone who’s interested. Nils, who’s a retired IBM systems analyst is the resident computer expert, sharing out the latest wifi gear and his work to identify satellite images of anchorages in the Med. Alongside Daphne is cheerfully polishing an anchor windlass in marigolds as if she’s cleaning the bath back home. A Spanish guy with a seriously hairy chest, wraparound shades and flowered Bermuda shorts is pressure washing the bimini on his motorboat across the pontoon, while his girlfriend smokes a cigarette with a bored expression on her face. And the rest of us? We’re just enjoying the sunshine, fixing things on our boats, and anxiously looking at the forecast to decide when’s the best time to leave. I think it will be next weekend for us.