[WPI]

In the very general category of ‘You used to be able to, now you can’t,’ we’ll add the brand-new changes (they weren’t there last year) to the port of Sóller.

In summary:

• Expansion of the port (the best-protected area).
• Addition of a massive channel for a tourist ferry (opposite the small central breakwater where we used to anchor).
• For visiting boats, only a very small area remains, right at the NW opening of the anchorage, which is the worst spot.
• Add to this the swarm of mooring buoys on the right-hand side (nothing new there) and the extension of beach buoys, and the free space becomes very limited.

So I strongly advise against Sóller—it’s better to sail a few more miles and head to Pollensa. Despite all the buoys they might add (and they’ve started near the Formentor anchorages), it will be difficult to ruin such a large anchorage.

Clearly, Catalonia, hungry for money, no longer wants sailors who don’t pay for their marinas and moorings. This is a common issue in the Balearics (paid moorings in Espalmador, which weren’t there last year).

And don’t think about taking refuge in your camper vans—they’re getting kicked out of parking lots in Spain just like in France.

[Sylvain]

Don’t forget about the fuel pump!
I was there last weekend, and yes, be careful not to fall into the trap. You’ll see a big, easily accessible fuel pump—but no, that one isn’t for private boats! You need to go to the old pump. However, they’ve added floating pontoons near the old fuel pump as well.

It’s better to go to the port side of the pontoon (facing the quay), because if you turn a pontoon too early, the hose might be too short. And, of course, don’t try to turn around between the pontoons if your boat is longer than 11 meters. 😉

[Mann]

My last visit to Sóller was on November 25, 2004. A few days earlier, there had been a terrible storm in the Mediterranean, with a strong low-pressure system over Italy and a high-pressure system over southern France, creating a very steep gradient. It was an exceptional event—pure madness between Nice and Corsica, and a Tramontane nightmare! The NE and NW currents converged north of the Balearics. Between Marseille and Toulon, it was completely calm!!!

I’ll try to share a photo of a stunning Dutch boat that was anchored in Sóller’s bay. The anchor held, but the deck was torn off! A sad sight.

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[WPI]

Ooch! 🙁

[Author]

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