GIBRALTAR

Location: La Línea de la Concepción, Gibraltar, located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.

Historical Significance: Gibraltar has been a strategic maritime point for centuries, controlling access to the Mediterranean. The Rock of Gibraltar, a landmark rich in history, dominates the landscape and has been a beacon for sailors navigating these waters.

Role in the Expedition: La Línea de la Concepción served as a key stopover to rest and prepare before venturing out into the open Atlantic. The navigation from Alicante to Gibraltar was primarily coastal, offering scenic views but requiring careful attention to changing conditions.

Conditions: The journey to Gibraltar featured generally favorable conditions, though the cold weather and choppy, closely spaced waves added a level of challenge. Coastal navigation ensured manageable seas, but the brisk temperatures reminded the crew of the winter season.

Boat: The boat was Omaya, a Bavaria C45, performing well under the varied conditions of this leg of the journey.

Duration of Stay: From December 15th to December 18th, 2023, the stop at Gibraltar provided a short but crucial break for provisioning and rest before heading to the Canary Islands.

Distance to Next Stop: 637 nm (approximately 1,180 km) to Arecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands.