Spain Yacht Info

Stainless Steel Welding

2015-03-05T11:00:00.003+01:00

Having just had a rather expensive and not particularly professional weld modification to our pulpit in order to comply with British coding, I sit back and wonder if anybody else has experienced such a high priced service. So in order to get a better picture of the overall boating services in Spain, I thought I would ask if anybody has any recent experiences. Lets have it all, whether it's good, bad or simply missing...

Where did the time go???

2015-01-19T13:49:00.000+01:00

It seems unbelievable that its been so long since our last post, with so much social media it seems a full time job keeping on top of facebook, twitter, websites and all the other tag on sites...

On a more positive note the 2015 sailing season is just around the corner for us, El Rubicon was lifted at the end of the year and has benefited from ongoing maintenance, such as new seacocks, rudder bearings and stern gland, there is still a bit more to do but she will be ship shape and Bristol fashion for courses starting on the 8th February.

We have settled in nicely to our new home in Ayamonte and keep on discovering hidden gems that make this area so special, the decision to move the base was not taken lightly so I am pleased to report that it was a good move, there is much more sailing going on down here and with the option to sail in Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco there is never a dull moment.

As mentioned sailing courses resume in February and there has never been a better time to join us. The Pound gives more Euro for your money and getting here is straightforward so if you have been considering your first steps aboard with a Competent Crew course or perhaps improving current skills taking them to the next level all you need to do is get in touch and discuss dates and book yourself on the right course.

In true Go-n-sail tradition we have a few special trips planned for this year,.. so if you can be tempted with an unforgettable trip to Cadiz and Seville or maybe our Moroccon Adventure is more your cup of tea, just get in touch and we will take care of the rest.

So to all friends - past, present and future we wish you safe and Happy sailing and look forward to catching up with you on the Ocean waves.

Another year passes by

2013-12-08T13:10:00.001+01:00

Its December already, where did the year go?
Well to begin with it started with return flights from the Caribbean and Xmas in the UK, before flying back to Spain to finish El Rubicon's dry docking and prepare her for the coming season which kicked off in March and has remained pretty much non-stop until now. New sails were fitted and our Yachtmaster Fastrack students got to grips with the yacht on the Costas Blanca and Calida before heading out to Ibiza and then onto the Costa de la Luz and Portuguese Algarve before sitting the coveted Yachtmaster Exam.
It was always our intention to relocated the sailing school and now it was time to rename from Mar Menor Sea School to Go-n-sail which avoids tying us to an area. Re-branding done it was time to complete additional research into the area before returning to the Mar Menor and our popular charter season and sailing trips in Mazarron. The summer passed in the blink of an eye and once we had exhibited at the Southampton Boat-Show it was time to set sail again for Ayamonte, our new home.
We are settling in nicely and still very much finding our way round our new area, it continues to impress us and it appears that we have chosen our new venue wisely. One of the immediate problems of finding yourself in a new area is that all previous business contacts go out the window and you find yourself alone. Choosing a place to leave El Rubicon for a couple of months was not easy but we settled on the Nave Pegos or more commonly known Bruces's yard at Faro, which apart from the unusual and very shallow approach seems to tick all the box's for us. We are now taking a month or so off to recharge our batteries before returning to complete our winter routine maintenance and putting the boat back in the water.
We are not expecting to resume sail training before mid February but will be raring to go as demand picks up and the weather warms again, even in the last few days of November we were flying the Crusinig chute as we sailed along the Algarve in the sun, the days are still warm but the nights are somewhat chillier, even still it proves it is possible to sail in Ayamonte year round.
Check our facebook page or sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers and 2014 itinerary, we hope you can join us in the forthcoming year but in the meantime I would like to wish you all a very Merry Xmas and fair winds whatever your destination.

Is summer finally over

2013-11-22T10:37:00.002+01:00

It seems strange to be saying this with Xmas just around the corner but summer finally appears to be over. Having spent the last months in little more than shorts and t-shirts we had a rude awakening this week with near freezing overnight temperatures and rather fresh days. The sun is still shining, but with teeth rattling winds from the North it means the shorts have been retired and with a pending trip to the UK are unlikely to re-appear in the immediate future.
Are the cooler temperatures down to Global warming or is it just that we are well into winter who knows, maybe its just that having experienced such fine weather to date, it would seem that we had not appreciated just how late into the year we really are. It goes to prove that you really can sail in this part of Spain year round and despite the cooler temperatures we are currently experiencing the days are still rather pleasant - albeit you need a few extra layers.
So once Xmas is over and done with, why not try something new and join our Day Skipper navigation courses which will be running throughout February and March. By the end of March we are expecting the shorts to re-appear and it is the perfect time to get afloat and learn new skills in time for Spring and Summer 2014.
To find out more about learning to sail in Spain or improving existing skills, please contact us or post a reply on the blog.
It may have turned chilly but temperatures are still far more pleasant than most British Summers...

VHF radio course in Ayamonte (November)

2013-11-02T11:05:00.000+01:00

We have a VHF radio course running in Ayamonte on the 23rd November, learn about communication at sea plus find out how the Rescue service use modern technologies to co-ordinate rescues and save lives.

This is so much more than just a radio course and from 1st January 2014 new regulations mean that the course needs to be taught over 2 days and the current 1 day course will cease to exist, so get in early and get qualified before the changes.

To find out more about the VHF radio content and training day, drop us a line or call Debbie on 00 34 695 326 184 or UK local rate call 0872 426 0837. Cost is 120€ per person plus 30GBP fee payable to the RYA for the licence.

Yachtmaster training takes us into the Algarve

2013-11-02T10:56:00.000+01:00

Building up to a Yachtmaster prep week one of the guys needs a few more miles just to make sure they exceed the 2500Nm qualifying miles, so with a favourable forecast and beautiful clear skies we are sailing along the Algarve which is proving interesting for the crew as well as taking them out of their comfort zone as we cruise new grounds. During the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam there is quite rightly a lot of emphasis placed on pilotage techniques so what better way to practice this than visit unfamiliar harbours and anchorages whilst also incorporating key skills such as MOB and picking up mooring buoys under sail.

Currently in Vilamoura we plan to take on additional crew before heading to Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira on our return leg to Ayamonte before an intensive final few days of preparation before the big day.

If you think you have what it takes to become a Yachtmaster or are simply up for a sailing adventure, drop us a line to find out more about our sail training course in Spain or adventure holidays.

Good luck to the boys next week

New Ayamonte Sailing Centre is open for business

2013-10-19T13:50:00.002+02:00

Having left the shores of La Manga and the Mar Menor behind us, we are now fully open for business from our tidal sailing school based in Ayamonte on the Costa de la Luz or Spanish Algarve as it is better known.
From this unique location on the river Guadiana we are offering the full range of RYA sailing courses and navigation theory along with VHF radio (SRC) and First Aid training.
So if you fancy learning some new skills this winter why not join us for a practical learn to sail week or enrol on one of our Navigation theory courses that will be taking place over the winter months. What better time to learn new skills, meet like-minded people and get trained in time to get maximum enjoyment form the 2014 boating season.
It may be winter but the weather is still pleasant and you really can sail here year round, so just because the shorts have gone away for a few months doesn't mean that you cannot still enjoy the great outdoors, dig out those jumpers and lets go sailing.
To find out more details on our sailing and navigation courses, contact us or call Debbie on 00 34 695 326184 or UK local rate call 0872 426 0837

Milebuilder opportunity

2013-09-26T09:05:00.001+02:00

Sailing mile-builder come adventure sail leaving from La Manga on the 6th October and arriving in Ayamonte on the 17th October. Sail along the entire South coast of Spain calling at the Costa del Sol, Cadiz and the Costa de la Luz before exploring some of the Portuguese Algarve and returning to our new home port of Ayamonte.
12 days onboard, over 500 miles including 60 mile Yachtmaster qualifying passages, overnight sails and some great adventures all for just 1150€

To find out more or to reserve a bunk, contact Debbie on 0034 695 326 184

Spanish Boating Tax

2013-08-17T10:24:00.001+02:00

As a 6th listed Charter yacht we seem to have attracted more than our fair share of the Spanish Authorities attention this year. It seems that when stopped or boarded one of the key things they ask for is the proof that we have paid the Impuestos Especiales de Matriculacion which is basically the 12% boat tax for vessel that remain in Spanish waters for excess of the 183 days. Having owned the boat for a number of years now she is actually exempt but even that does not stop them asking for it.

Whilst we have absolutely no problem in being checked up on, it becomes embarrassing when we have clients on board and tiresome as we have just been checked out by their colleagues, one would think in this age of computers and shared information that the various departments could run a quick check on us before boarding again.

They say that those with nothing to hide need not worry, which is very true. Call me cynical but these checks can be described as nothing other than a blatant attempt to boost the Spanish Treasury pot with fines and tax collection. I would be interested in hearing from anyone else if you have been experiencing this kind of control and with sufficient evidence of excessive controls it may be possible to present a case to the Spanish Tourism Department and alert them to the potential damage being done to Spain´s image on the yachting scene.

At some point in the future surely the left hand needs to catch up with the right hand and actually figure how they are going to promote leisure boating in Spain rather than destroy what little of the nautical sector they have compared to other Mediterranean Countries.

Don´t miss out - Competent Crew or Day Skipper week

2013-08-04T21:30:00.001+02:00

We have one space remaining on our sail training week commencing 31st August. Learn to sail or improve skills on or Competent Crew or Day Skipper week. Enjoy sailing in the Spanish Sun and return home with a tan before the European winter takes hold. Experience sailing as it should be in a warm climate with crystal clear waters, take in the Costas Calida and Blanca as we explore whilst learning, so don´t miss out and give Debbie a call on 0034 695 326184 to find out more or contact us using the form on the main webpage www.go-n-sail.com

Sailing trips

2013-07-22T13:43:00.000+02:00

The 3 hour sailing trips are proving as popular as ever, with the mercury rising and temperatures becoming unbearable away from the coast, there really is no better trip out for the family.
Sailing times are 10.30 and 15.30 daily subject to weather, give Debbie a call to find out more

Mazarron sailing trips

2013-07-12T15:03:00.004+02:00

Our 3 hour sailing trips leaving from the Puerto Deportivo Mazarron have begun again and will run until the end of August. Just as in previous years trips are proving as popular as ever. Come along and get involved pulling a few lines or relax and soak up the sun before plunging into crystal clear waters or maybe enjoying a snorkelling experience with the fishes.

To join us, all that is needed is a towel, sense of humour and a mere 35€ per person, trips run everyday leaving from just in-front of the underground car park. Departure times are 10.30am and 15.30pm.

If your looking for a trip with a difference or to celebrate a special occasion, why not join us for a sunset cruise and enjoy a sun-downer as the day comes to a close with the sun sinking into the Mazarron hills.

To find out more or to make a reservation, call Debbie on 0034 695 326 184

Southern Spain milebuilder

2013-05-24T11:27:00.000+02:00

Gain quality sea miles on our Southern Spain mile-builder/adventure sail and experience the Costas as we sail from Ayamonte on the Costa del la Luz to Gibraltar via the Cadiz area, before heading to Cartagena via the Costa del Sol and Almeria and finishing on the Costa Cálida.

You can join us for the Gibraltar to Cartagena leg leaving Gib on the 22nd June. Why not treat yourself to a short break on the Rock before sailing on El Rubicon then flying back from Murcia San Javier. From previous experience that time of year provides us with long sunny days and fantastic sea breezes, night sailing round Cabo de Gata is a must, the lack of light pollution normally provides a truly amazing star gazing experience.

The trip is offered at 675€ p.p and as with all our great value trips includes all breakfast, lunches, evening meals (at least 3) whilst in transit, accommodation on the yacht, fresh bedding, fuel, marina fees and much more.... the only extras are the occasional meal/drinks ashore and flights/transfers, to find out more or make a booking please contact Debbie on Spain 695 326 184 or cheap call UK 0872 426 0837.

Busy,Busy,Busy

2013-05-24T11:04:00.000+02:00

Since we arrived in Ayamonte we have been busy teaching, researching the area and making new friends. Glad to report that all three areas have proved successful with our Fastrack sailors achieving the coveted Yachtmaster Offshore certificate.
Back in tidal waters we have noticed that a few areas have silted over the winter months and depths are nothing like chart datum suggests leaving our students scratching their heads at times. Thankfully the problem can be overcome by applying the basic principal of if your not certain where you are or if something appears different, STOP re-assess or return to safe water, which more often than not is exactly where you came from. The nice thing about tide is that allows you visit place which at times seem out of bounds, so a quick lunch stop can be found in the most unlikely of places.
The area continues to impress us and this week we have been busy exploring by land with trips to Portimao, Vilamoura, Sanlucar del Guadiana and Huelva. We are pleased to report that Ayamonte is still our chosen base, all we need now is somewhere to live!
The Andalucian people are friendly and open to meeting and welcoming new people to the area, compared to many places we have visited during our time in Spain this does make a refreshing change. As with most things in Spain, services for business are not greatly advertised but with our new Andaluz friends things seem to be falling into place and once again we have cold beer thanks to Matías Wouterse the local fridge and aircon guru.
El Rubicon is now ready for her next guests arriving tomorrow and looking forward to yet another great sailing week on the Spanish and Portuguese Algarve.
If you are interested in tidal sailing courses, please get in touch or if you have information on the area we would love to hear from you.

Open for business in Ayamonte

2013-05-02T15:02:00.000+02:00

Having experienced some great moments on our adventure to Ayamonte from Cartagena we are now ready to receive our new clients on Saturday night. The trip down was fantastic with a mixture of weather conditions, visiting plenty of new locations and catching up with old friends en route and making new ones.
Not reaching Lagos was disappointing but in this part of the World there is always mañana or next week, as long as we are having fun and learning new skills the destination is almost irrelevant and from what we have experienced so far the area has lost none of its sailing magic, the potential Yachtmasters have been tested as they negotiate shallow bars and calculate tidal anchoring heights, playing around in the strong streams has given them the opportunity to master ferry gliding, sailing onto mooring buoys and appreciating how quickly it can go wrong if your ignore your instincts!!!
El Rubicon will be based in the Spanish Algarve until the middle of June when we head back to Cartagena and Mazarron for the summer season. Before returning here again after the Southampton boat show. Join us on our adventures and learn to sail with RYA sailing courses from Competent Crew through to Yachtmaster. For more information contact us or visit www.go-n-sail.com

El Rubicon arrives in Gibraltar

2013-04-25T22:25:00.001+02:00

Having delayed our start from Cartagena with light winds predicted, it proved a wise decision as we made good progress to Almerimar with winds hitting F6/7 from Carboneras down. The stopover allowed us to catch up with Tony and Gladys from Carpe Diem and having enjoyed a proper gin and tonic with them it was time to retire for the night and prepare for the next day. Leaving Almerimar we had expected to keep equal winds to the previous day by heading offshore, unfortunately this lasted for approximately 12 Hours before leaving us wallowing in big seas off Malaga overnight as the winds eased to nothing and we were forced to motor until a few hours out of Gibraltar. Enjoying a couple of hours rest we headed over the border from La Linea for the Brazilian Rodizzio in Ocean Village, well recommended if you happen to be in Gib for the day.
Now checking the weather for a potential departure tomorrow evening towards Portugal, will keep you posted as to our progress, wherever we end up the adventure is underway and the guys are enjoying the benefits of exploring under sail, if you are interested in joining us on our adventure please get in touch.

The adventure begins

2013-04-21T15:31:00.000+02:00

El rubicon has been loaded up for our latest adventure, tomorrow we are setting sail towards Gibraltar before heading onto the Algarve and then our new temporary home in Ayamonte. Initially we were leaving today but with light winds forecast the crew are benefiting from VHF training before setting sail around midday on Monday. The stores are loaded, water tanks topped up and spare gas in situ all that remains is to fill up with fuel and were off.
If you see us on our travels come over and say hi and for anyone looking to join us we still have a couple of spaces before the summer charter season in Mazarron. Learning to sail is fun and an excellent way to explore and make new friends, to find out more about our RYA sailing courses contact us and let the adventure begin.

Mar Menor Bridge

2013-04-06T11:08:00.000+02:00

One of the most asked questions when sailing in this area is what times does the Puente del Estacio bridge open, the opening of the bridge allows access to and from the Mar Menor and Mediterranean seas for yachts or vessels with over an air draft greater than 7m.

At present the opening times are everyday:
10.00 - 12.00 - 14.00 - 16.00 - 18.00 with the last lift at 20.00 hours

Happy sailing

Ibiza mile-builder

2013-04-06T11:02:00.002+02:00

This week we planned to put a few miles under the keel for the guys as qualifying miles towards their Yachtmaster. The decision was taken to head out to Ibiza and following a cracking sail up the Costa Blanca with a rather iffy forecast in hand it appeared that the predicted weather was not coming so with clear skies and perfect force 4 we peeled away from the land and crossed. Around 25 miles from Ibiza the wind freshened and gusted at 40 knots, with 3 reefs in the main and a handkerchief of headsail we pressed on experiencing some exhilarating sailing.
Returning to the mainland we were not so lucky with the wind and required the use of the iron spinnaker to reach Altea, stopping the night the crew were all early to bed as the previous nights watch system had left us somewhat jaded and we had a 0600 hours slip time for our trip back to La Manga. With clear heads and fresh pot of coffee we encountered strong head winds and El Rubicon struggled to make serious progress into the building swell so we made for our port of refuge which happened to be Torrevieja leaving us a short sail back the following day. The normally reliable winds abandoned us and rather than just motor back we ran a series of pilotage exercises and practiced following contour lines.
With 2 x 60 miles passages accomplished, some great navigation exercises, experience of strong winds and calms we had a true mix of what sailing can be like and an example of just how changeable the weather can be. Overall we achieved 380 miles, had a ball and the guys are rapidly gaining confidence in their sailing ability, for more information of joining our adventure sailing and mile-building trips please contact us on 00 34 695 326 184 or cheap call from the UK 0872 426 0837. The next trip is planned from Gibraltar to Cartagena at the end of June and we will be sailing from La Manga down to Ayamonte our new tidal base at the end of September, so if you need qualifying sea miles or just fancy being part of a great sailing adventure get in touch.

Fine weather

2013-03-30T16:49:00.000+01:00

Easter weekend has transformed La Manga, the supermarkets and bars are bustling whilst the Mar Menor presents a beautiful image with sails glistening in the sun as the yachts dance across the safe but shallow water.

The weather could not be better with around 15-18 knots of breeze and temperatures warm enough to be sailing in shorts and t-shirts. There is still time to get yourself on one of our great value sailing courses, so don't get left in the cold, come sailing in Spain and get qualified in time for summer with our RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses.

New sails on test

2013-03-29T11:25:00.000+01:00

This year we treated El Rubicon to a new set of sails from Jeckells the sailmakers, with most of the wind strengths last week in the region of 25 knots plus we have had zero opportunity to try out the cruising chute but reefing practice has been plentiful. With the new sails and fresh antifoul we are easily achieving boat speeds in the region of 8 knots plus.

So far we have been very satisfied with the sails and I have to say that sailing fast has never been so easy. We chose Jeckells because they listened to our needs and offered a great value for money product. Sure we could have gone upmarket and spend another 50% for a set of beautifully crafted sails but as we are not a race boat, we are more interested in functionality and durability than aesthetics.

So if your thinking about a new sail, give Jeckells a call or visit their website and fill in the online contact form. As an added bonus the sails are made in the UK so you are supporting the British Marine Industry.

Tidal Sailing courses

2013-03-27T08:55:00.001+01:00

Learn to sail with our Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses starting in Ayamonte on the Spanish Portuguese border. Explore the Algarve and Day Skippers can test their navigation skills as we sail along the coast and spend a night at anchor in the lagoon area around Faro, providing a quality pilotage experience as we look for a spot to drop the hook. We chose this area for its ability to provide navigational and tidal challenges - so far we have not been dissapointed, perfect for giving you all the necessary skills to become a competent sailor. Courses start every Saturday evening at 18.00 hours, fly into Faro and join us for a great week sailing in the Sun!

Coastal Skipper - Yachtmaster theory

2013-03-26T18:06:00.001+01:00

This week we are in the classroom which is rather cruel considering the perfect wind conditions we are experiencing at the moment.

Reflecting on the week so far you forget just how lucky sailors in the Med really are, very little variation around Spain in particular, no tides and certainly no secondary ports - the Med provides the perfect playground allowing you to focus on having fun and sailing the boat in a relaxed manner just like the way sailing is meant to be.

That said we do enjoy the navigational challenges of sailing in tidal waters, hence we make for tidal waters whenever we can, it also highlights the importance of keeping up theoretical knowledge and proves that with solid basic training - it is possible to sail in other destinations.

Find out more on our shorebased navigation courses or milebuilding experiences and put the theory into practice.

Spring is in the air

2013-03-23T18:18:00.000+01:00

This week the weather in the UK has been awful, cold, wet, floods and even snow in some parts of the Country. So far this week we have had some fantastic winds and although we did not sail today, it has been a shorts day. Sailing is planned for tomorrow and the forecast is some cloud and 25 knots of wind, spring is clearly in the air and we are enjoying every moment of it.
Get away from the cold and join us for some great sailing and if your really lucky you may even get to wear your shorts!

Sailing quotes

2013-03-23T09:32:00.001+01:00

The trickiest part of a voyage or cruise may turn out to be the short leg between any harbour entrance and dock, both on the way in and the way out - Carleton Mitchell

There is clearly a deeper emotional meaning to this quote but from a practical point of view at go-n-sail we can help take away the tricky part by improving your boat handling skills. Get the know-how on our Day Skipper sail training weeks and gain confidence around the marina.

So often we hear stories of the perfect day out going wrong at the last minute normally as the boat approaches the berth and the Skipper turns into Captain Bligh. Fortunately the cause of this sudden increase in blood pressure is purely down to lack of planning, ability and basic skills. So the condition is cureable.

Only you can overcome the phenomena known as berthing fever, but on our courses we are with you every step of the way.

Click here to find out more about boat handling courses and available dates