Malua arrives in the Mediterranean

On the Thursday before Easter, Erasmusgracht docked in Palma carrying ten yachts on deck, including Malua. There were some tense moments while the larger yachts were lifted into the water, and when it came to Malua I made sure the lifting slings were moved clear of the impeller through-hull before the lift went ahead. Soon she was back where she belonged — afloat in the Mediterranean and steaming towards a marina in Palma.

Palma was quite an introduction to Mediterranean yachting. The harbour seemed full of large yachts, and just when we thought we had seen the biggest, another appeared that was larger again. We found a berth at Marina Alboran and began the job of turning Malua from deck cargo back into a cruising yacht. Halyards and lines had to be rerun, tanks filled, batteries charged and provisions brought aboard.

Palma

While waiting and preparing the boat, Denny and I explored Palma. The great Gothic cathedral dominates the waterfront and the old city behind it is a maze of narrow streets, old buildings, doors and courtyards. We visited the Arab Baths and the Museu de Mallorca, where the small bronze warrior particularly caught my attention. The castle on the hill, the Joan Miró gallery and the train journey inland to Sóller were also highlights.

Provisioning involved several expeditions to the supermarket with a wheeled suitcase. It reinforced a lesson from shipping a yacht overseas: carry the familiar specialist supplies you know you will need, but there is little point carrying Spanish olive oil or Italian tomatoes halfway around the world. Palma’s chandlers were excellent and well stocked.

At last, we sail

With Malua again shipshape, we left Palma and began moving west along the coast. Our first anchorage was Las Illetas, a small bay behind three islands. Close enough to Palma to attract day visitors, it became quiet in the evening. From there we continued towards Santa Ponsa and Port Andratx. After the long preparation, shipping and waiting, the Mediterranean voyage had finally begun.