Who here is berthing in Sant Carles? (Positive thread!)

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My last post got deleted before I managed to submit, so i'll summarize....

Anyone here berthed at Sant Carles? I realise the obvious who post about it, but would like ot get a general feel for it (I have read over your posts, and thanks for your contributions)

Without getting into detail - i'd like to spend next summer in my little boat, in the sun!

Feel free to PM me... but expect an overload of questions! ... Even anyone who replies to this thread, please don't get p1ssed off... but I *will* have questions. Positive side is you *could* have a lovely Paddy neighbour next summer

 

[Hurricane]

SWMBO and I have, literally, just got back form Sant Carles.
I wanted to do a flying visit to check on a few things and some work that is currently being done on our boat.

We flew out on Monday on Easyjet to Barcelona and then back this evening on Ryanair. Hired a car at Barcelona and dropped it off at Reus. the run from Barcelona to Sant Carles took about an hour and 40 minutes - we know the way now. And the drive this morning to Reus was only about 45 mins. We liove in Devon so we fly from Bristol.

Despite what was said on previous threads, the marina is definately finished.
The marina manager who has overseen the building project, handed over to a new guy this week. We met him on Monday afternoon and both SWMBO and I liked him immediatly.

As far as berths are concerned, I believe that the marina doesn not have any berths left for sale and even direct rentals are becoming difficult. However, I believe that there are plenty of spaces available privately and I'm sure that the marina will help if you need a berth but I get the distinct feeling that this situation wont last long.

The marina consists of a social area containing the offices/reception, a bar, a separate berth holders lounge and adajacent swimming pool. A first class boat yard complete with 75 ton travel lift belongs to the marina and is situated on the other side of the marina. The marina has been constructed from a derelect area about a quarter of a mile from the main town of Sant Carles. It is tucked in behind a 6 mile long 6 metre deep lagoon formed by the Ebro River Delta, making it well protected from the open sea. In order to get permission to build the marina, they had to agree to re-landscape the area sympathetically. A significant sum has been spent on the landscaping and tree planting alone.

I saw from the TV that yesterday the west country had been hit hard by snow storms - although a bit cold, Sant Carles was in briliant sunshine - IMO thats what its all about.

If you would like to know more and even chat to some of us - we are all good friends, why not sign up to the internet forum that I've put together for bertholders in Sant Carles - the address is www.scmchat.com .

In the meantime, here are a few photos that I've previously posted on this forum.

Even flamingoes out on the delta.

 

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H - Thanks for your post. I have been stalking your posts in the past so know everything you wrote (I even know why you have the white little cover on one of your stainless steels arms for the bimini on the flybridge )

I didn't realise that the marina was that full up. I have registered on the chat forum, and if I can think of anything in advance i'll be sure to ask.

I basicly just want to get a feel for the area, so it would be great to get a walk around the area and spend a day there (visiting the town etc.) - This would be a great excuse for a holiday too... i'd drive down the tour a bit more of Spain too. SWMBO is working the 9-5 so can't get off work but im quiet this time of year so would be tempted to get out of here for a few days

 

[Hurricane]

H - Thanks for your post. I have been stalking your posts in the past so know everything you wrote (I even know why you have the white little cover on one of your stainless steels arms for the bimini on the flybridge )

I didn't realise that the marina was that full up. I have registered on the chat forum, and if I can think of anything in advance i'll be sure to ask.

I basicly just want to get a feel for the area, so it would be great to get a walk around the area and spend a day there (visiting the town etc.) - This would be a great excuse for a holiday too... i'd drive down the tour a bit more of Spain too. SWMBO is working the 9-5 so can't get off work but im quiet this time of year so would be tempted to get out of here for a few days

As I say, even though the marina looks as though there are lots of spaces, I believe that most of them are privately owned.

If you do go down, try the Miami Mar Hotel - not the cheapest in the area but very good and not over the top. Its the one marked Miami Mar at this link www.miamicanpons.com

 

[MedDreamer]

Just making a general point - not aimed at Sant Carlos because I don't know it so have no opinion - but I think when relocating it is just as important to consider the cruising grounds as the marina. After all its a boat you will have in the sunshine not a villa/apartment so presumably you will want to spend as much time as you can on the water.

How do you like to spend your time on the water, and does the local area fit the bill? - ie if you dream of anchoring in small calas all day, are there any suitable calals in the area. What are local sea and wind conditions like - nothing more frustrating than heading off for a weekend in the sun, having all the hassle of airports etc and spending all of your time waiting for the wind to drop or sea state to ease. Likewise if you like to "marina hop" are there any other marinas to hop to.

I would strongly recommend Med boating but a bit of thought in picking the location that suits will increase your enjoyment.