Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th November
Mohammedia to Agadir
Tuesday 13th November
John finished up the paperwork and did some shopping for bread and fresh veg with Ross. We got underway at lunchtime and motored away from Mohammedia into a light SouthWesterly wind. 20 or so miles down the coast was the stunningly beautiful and imposing mosque at Casablanca, a splendid white marble shining on the coast in the late afternoon sun.
The next 12 hours was a bit of a nightmare. Several times during the night the engine cut out with fuel problems. Familiar territory indeed for the crew of Ishtar! By my watch, 02:00-04:00, We were running from a can, perched in the engine bay. John had been up most of the night but remained his usual laid back cheerful self, as always.
I was feeling ill, and was sick a couple of times on the way into Agadir. It lasted until the evening, probably a 24 hour bug picked up at Marrakech.
Thursday 14th November - Agadir
We're back in Europe! The marina and seafront at Agadir could be anywhere, complete with designer outlets. I find it so annoying and frustrating. Travel broadens the mind, sure, but only if the places one travels to are different. I'd far rather the lack of facilities, and pavement chicken deaths of Mohammedia, than the mock Europena plastic fabricated nonsense here. I want authentic, warts and all, Africa.
Anyway, the marina (port de plaisance - there is another at port de peche). 2m draught no problem. Pontoons, good, with water and electricity. Wi fi adequate. Showers and toilets poor and, mixed. Swimming pool at 50 dirhams (£4) a dip. Plenty of eateries nearby. Louise and I had 2 large vegetarian pizzas and 2 soft drinks for about £8.
Louise and I had hoped to go to a medina on Friday, a local market, but it was closed, with many other shops, for the holy day.
Mohammedia to Agadir
Tuesday 13th November
John finished up the paperwork and did some shopping for bread and fresh veg with Ross. We got underway at lunchtime and motored away from Mohammedia into a light SouthWesterly wind. 20 or so miles down the coast was the stunningly beautiful and imposing mosque at Casablanca, a splendid white marble shining on the coast in the late afternoon sun.
The watches passed peacefully that night, I was 20:00 to 22:00. Wednesday also passed quietly, apart from the engine cutting out around lunchtime. John had suspected dirt in one of the fuel tanks and indeed the filters were blocked. I relished the chance to have a go at sailing Chelone myself, and pulled out Genoa and raised the staysail. It took a long time to get steerage, but eventually Louise helped me tack and we managed 3.5 knots upwind. Very impressive for a 16 tonner in a force 2.
Louise cooked a Spanish omelette for supper - it looked suspiciously small in the pan, but fed 5 with ease, leaving Ross struggling. Our captain duly helped him out, finishing off the last few mouthfulls with relish. Ross is one of the best guys around a boat I've seen, but he still has a bit to learn from John on the eating front.....
The next 12 hours was a bit of a nightmare. Several times during the night the engine cut out with fuel problems. Familiar territory indeed for the crew of Ishtar! By my watch, 02:00-04:00, We were running from a can, perched in the engine bay. John had been up most of the night but remained his usual laid back cheerful self, as always.
I was feeling ill, and was sick a couple of times on the way into Agadir. It lasted until the evening, probably a 24 hour bug picked up at Marrakech.
Thursday 14th November - Agadir
We're back in Europe! The marina and seafront at Agadir could be anywhere, complete with designer outlets. I find it so annoying and frustrating. Travel broadens the mind, sure, but only if the places one travels to are different. I'd far rather the lack of facilities, and pavement chicken deaths of Mohammedia, than the mock Europena plastic fabricated nonsense here. I want authentic, warts and all, Africa.
Anyway, the marina (port de plaisance - there is another at port de peche). 2m draught no problem. Pontoons, good, with water and electricity. Wi fi adequate. Showers and toilets poor and, mixed. Swimming pool at 50 dirhams (£4) a dip. Plenty of eateries nearby. Louise and I had 2 large vegetarian pizzas and 2 soft drinks for about £8.
Louise and I had hoped to go to a medina on Friday, a local market, but it was closed, with many other shops, for the holy day.
