Lanzarote RC 44 World Championship P Calero Oct 2010

During our stay, the marina of Puerto Calero was very busy with the World Championship of the RC44 class. Crews and boats were from all over the world - many of the crews with America's cup experience .

Lanzarote Puerto Calero, 10 to 13 October 2010

Mike's sister Judith arrived at 2130 hrs 10 October by Easyjet - flight was amazingly 30 minutes early.


Rented a car from Hertz and have been revisiting some of the places we enjoyed when we were here in 2007.

The volcanic island of Lanzarote appears at first to be completely barren. However crops are grown here using special techniques such as the vines enclosed in shallow basalt walls.


One of our favourite places to visit is the former home of artist/ architect Cesar Manrique, born in Arrecife in 1919, died in a tragic car accident in 1992.


Similar to the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer who designed much of Brazilia, Cesar had played an important role in the development of Lanzarote. His former home created in the middle of a lava field just north of Arrecife, is a delight to wander around.


From the outside, the house is not particularly interesting, what makes it so special is that he has connected several large "gas bubbles" which existed under and around his house by stairways and tunnels in the rock creating magical living spaces.




The bubbles under the house are connected to bubbles outside the house where a luscious garden with pool has been created.

In the rooms above ground level he has made picture windows overlooking the lava,
indeed in one room the lave seems to be flowing into the room under the glass.

On a long wall in the garden is a colourful mosaic


Around the island there are various Manrique artworks along the road.
After this visit we drove to the north of the island on the way stopping for lunch at the old palm dotted town of Haria, the town where Cesar Manrique spent his last years.


Our objective was the Mirador del Rio, an old defence bunker carved into the top of the high cliffs with a spectacular view over the straits to the laidback island of Graciosa.
Once one enters the old bunker, one is in no doubt about who created the conversion, yes, Cesar Manrique.






On the way back to the boat we stopped off at a centre for Aloe Vero, the plant which some consider a panacea for many ailments.

Sail Fuerteventura Corralejo to Puerto Calero 8 to 10 October 2010

At 0730 hrs 8 October we were just about to leave pontoon to anchor off when the Corralejo Harbour Master came to us to say he had found a berth for us - very kind of him. So motored round to berth which was right in the corner between pontoon and harbour wall. Spent a relaxed day in Corralejo.

Next morning 9 October left this potentially tricky spot before the wind picked up and anchored in the harbour to stow ropes and fenders. Motored the mile or so to Isla del Lobos and anchored close to the lagoon and jetty (28deg 44.2N 013deg 49W in 6.5 meters water - good holding).

A bit rolly but better than expected. Snorkelled around the boat and saw many fish including a few Barracudas.

At 10.40 anchor up and part sailed/ part motored the 12 miles to Play Quemada on Lanzarote where we anchored for the night off the small fishing village (28deg 54.3N 013deg 44.1 W in 6.5 meters water - good holding).

Anchor up at 0820 10 October after a somewhat rolly night and motored the 2 miles to Puerto Calero Marina - (35 Euros/night with 10% discount for Noonsite).
P Calero is very busy at the moment as the RC 44 World Championship takes place 11 October with crews from around the world.