Ibiza, a bit late

When I arrived in Ibiza, I clearly noticed that the other boats were a different class. They were more superyachts than "ordinary" boats. Ibiza has 4 harbours, and because it was allready around midnight, I decided to try the largest marina first. Their answer was very sobering: "For a boat like that we do not have a place." Well take that, as a proud owner of a smaller boat. So I tried the second port. Nobody answered the VHF, and I could see noboby, but there was still a spot available at the fuelpump. In the pilot it said that it was ok to berth there, as long as you leave before 0900. I actually needed diesel because I ran the engine so long, so actually it was very easy! The following morning I a guy from the marina woke me at 08:15 to tell me that the fuelstation was going to open. The motorboat that was berthed in front of me left very quicky, but I responded: "That's great, I need diesel". He was not expecting this answer, so he said: "Please wait a minute". After waiting for more than 45 minutes, I could actually get the diesel, and afterwards I berthed in the marina.

They have given a new meaning to expensive here. I had to pay 98 euros per day, water and electricity not included. A shower costs 3 euros, and a simple visit to the toilet sets you back 50 cents!!!. Ridiculous, no pool, no luxary, just an ordanary marina. Because the marina staff was not very trusting I had to pay a 200 euro deposit for 3 nights. With these prices, it will only be two nights.

After having relaxed a bit, I decided to try to deal with the battery problem. I measured all the voltages, remeasured all the voltages, took Nigel Calder's book out, no I'm not going to solve this problem. Ok, I'll start with the navigationlight. It took me a while to gather all my courage, to go up the mast. Well I actually only made it have way. I wasn't happy with the pulley and the rope I had used. The rope was very slippery, and I don't want to land on the deck. Maybe tomorrow, I'll come up with a better plan. So I went into town to look for the autohelm belt, and new batteries. Fortunately I found a shop that could order the belt, and had an exellent offer for batteries. The owner of the shop came to look the same day. Diagnosis battery 1: dead. Diagnosis battery 3: very dead. Apart from new batteries, he recommended that I buy a new charger as well. Hmmmm, I don't really have an option. As a bonus, he offered to go up the mast to change the navigation lignt. Oef, I don't have to go up myself!!! Unfortunately the belt could not be shipped, so I'm leaving without again.

After the second night ( the night at the fuelstation doesn't count, because it was free), I was still very tired, and I had not really seen anything of Ibiza Town. Because it was now september 1st, prices often go down, so I decided to ask the reception what the new price would be. 47 euro per night. Less than half. Well I'll stay a couple of days longer. I can now see the Ibizan nightlife. If you're on Ibiza, you need to go to a club. I'm not really a clubhopper, and really don't like loud music, so I decide to go to a very trendy club/restaurant/cabaret. Put on a dress, some make-up, completely ready to investigate the nightlife. The pricetag was also very trendy, well I don't think I will go to a club again soon, so let's go. Everywhere there were beautifull girls wearing high heels, and very short dresses, and earplugs to communicate. They escorted everybody to their table. There were also around 20 tough security guys wearing black shirts, and earplugs. I really loved watching people all night. But around 2 o'clock I thought it better to go to sleep. So I missed the "real" clubbing.

PS, my dress was way too long, just above the knee. All the others were wearing dresses that are so short it is impossible to sit down!!!

The marina where I was not welcome.





Ibiza Town by night.