Balearics August 2006

myndit · 06 February 2006, 18:30

I have been investigating the possibility of trailering my 5.5 metre Bombard down to North Eastern Spain and ribbing over the the Balearics for a couple of weeks in August. Launching at the closest set off points gives around 60 miles to Ibiza. The trip costs are coming out at around £600.00 ferry, fuel and tolls, so quite acheivable on my budget.

My main concern is the mainland to island hop (and back again) with a single engined rib, and I am posting this thread to see if anybody else either is, or has, considered doing this trip. Once on the islands I would feel more confident in making passages alone. My plan is to take a couple of light tents and check into a hotel for a night or two every now and then.

Nothing yet set in stone, but if it starts to smell good, I will give it a bit more attention, possibly even taking my bike down for a long weekend to recce up some secure parking etc.

So, post yer stuff if you can help with some experience, or reply if you are interested in joining me.

PS 1st post this year so happy new one!!

Doug

The Jackeens · 08 February 2006, 19:41

We hope to be in Brittany Doug but great to read of your exciting plans.

And many happy returns

missus

osprey__viper · 09 February 2006, 16:54

Watch out for the mistral winds and very dense fog that can occur very quickley in the med.

Do a search on here for foreign cruising, this will give you an idea of paperwork, preperation etc.

myndit · 10 April 2006, 21:38

Getting quite excited now:

Return ferry booked from Dover to Calais 27th July out return 11th August
Cost £114.00

Was not comfortable with 60 mile + journey on a single engine so booked a return ferry (with cabin) from Barcelona to Palma
Cost £571.00

Following family conference !! have also booked two weeks in a privately let apartment in Pollensa (secure parking as well)
Cost £950.00

SSR number sorted
2 x Certificates of Competance sorted

Now all that remains is an MOT test on the Disco, however you can see daylight through the rear floor so this may be the hardest part!

Doug, family and Ribbit

Simon666 · 12 April 2006, 20:08

Sounds like great fun.
Id love to take the boat to spain, and leave it there over the winter, that way we can fly over on cheesy-jet for £15 while its cold and orrible here and have a nice week sunny boating!
Ill properly get more use out of it then over here while it spends all winter in the garage.
keep a eye out for any cheap dry storage over there on your sunny travels!

By the way, my disco passed the mot with holes in the rear boot floor. Apparently its not structual as it has a chassis. may have just got lucky.

Good luck.

benc · 12 April 2006, 20:18

This is something I would love to do have been to Ibiza 5 times in the last 8 years.... and have tried to hire a boat out there several times - but you have to be 25+ !

I could possibly be convinced to go if I can find a boat buddy (that can drive/tow my boat - as I dont have a licence

)

Rogue Wave · 12 April 2006, 20:33

depeding on work i'd be up for it

benc · 12 April 2006, 20:38

Sounds good to me!

Theres plenty to do on and around ibiza.

Formentara is a nice place to visit from ibiza mainland... also its an awesome night out in ibiza town... not the clubs, just the night life around it - lots of "street acts" going on... also its a great place for snorkling, lots of wrecks up by es cana.... also, theres a lot of places of interest in easy reach of the coast to see, like the hippy market at es cana. There also a walk through caves which is worth a look. Plenty of good food (and good beer!)

myndit · 01 May 2006, 21:09

Cheers for the Formentara info. Last time I was there, the place was deserted except for 30 or so hippys living naked on the beach!!! Something for my kids to wite about when they get back to school though...

Disco passed mot with a hole in the floor big enough to put your leg through but because it was 'not in the a pescribed area' all is OK!

Off to begin negotiations with insurance company now, will keep you informed

Doug family and Ribbit

benc · 15 August 2006, 19:59

Anyone interested in doing the ibiza voyage next year?

Stay for a week or two, like I said in previous plenty to see there, and its hot!

myndit · 31 December 2006, 19:10

So we did it!

Aplogies for the delay in report, I won't bore you with the excuses..

It was great fun (of course). The med sure is cool place to rib around. The weather is as per the holiday brochure as is the sea. No tides to talk about but a few 'flat calms to F6' in 5 minutes or less!

Good bits:

Sea
Sun
Temperature
Like minded hardboaters of all nationalities
Unlimited deserted bays (or Calas) to visit

Not so good bits:

16 hour drive from Calais to Barcelona
16 hour drive from Barcelona to Calais!
No ramps of any description (apart from the one pictured which had a promenade built over the entrance)
Being treated as a 'commercial vessel' in one harbour and having to complete endless documentation regarding owner details, captains name, gross tonnage, crew list, passenger list, previous port, next port, bonded stores, medical reports etc etc etc

Stuff I worried about but should not have:

Rib security as we kept her in a 24 hour controlled marina with security guards, fuel, water, food and a super ramp.

Stuff I should have worried about:

Sunburn when in and out of the water all day.

Anyway, it's a great place to be. Try it someday if you can.

May even go again in 2007.

Safe passages

Doug Jayne Max and Lucy

Hightower · 31 December 2006, 21:06

Did wonder whether you realy did go or not?

Glad you had a realy nice time, sure looks like an adventure.

Wishing a great 2007 for you and your family Doug.

Andy

Aidan · 01 January 2007, 00:18

I think that if you check with Riva and Ballistic, you will find that these guys under ribs for sale" have already done this one with 7.8 mtr and E-tec 250.
I will check it out for you if you cannot.