There are a few roadsteads along Spain’s Costa del Sol where it is possible to tuck in and gain protection from westerly winds. When we saw the shape of Gatos anchorage, and the lovely desert colors, it was obvious we needed to stop.

Regardless of the depth of the bay or the shape of the headland, the odds are waves are going to wrap right around the point, sometimes 180 degrees, and roll into the anchorage. The trick is to find a spot where the wind or current holds you in alignment with the waves. What you do not want is to be situated broadside to them.

The conditions are going to be calmer than at sea, the photo above looking offshore, was taken in the same time frame as the lead photos of the bay. But if you are laying abeam of even a small swell, it is going to be uncomfortable.

We are tucked in behind this point, as close as sonar shows us we can safely go, anchored in 16 feet / five meters of water.

The track coming in is shown on the sonar. The red blotch to port looks like a stabilizer eater, so we move off a little.

To confirm it is connected to the bottom, and not kelp or fish, we the sonar switch to vertical scan mode. A  later check in the dinghy will confirm this is indeed a shallow area of rocks.

Our neighbors are anchored in the middle  of the bay and further out. We are both being held at the same angle by the wind. He is rolling because the waves are hitting him on the beam while closer to the point they have wrapped a full 180 and are running under our stern. If he set the mizzen it would reduce rolling.

It also helps that we have our booms out with flopper stoppers attached.

We’ll include this photo not because you need to see the flopper stopper again, but to show how clear the water is (and warm too). Another option is to set a stern anchor to hold you in the right direction.

Those waves wrapping into the anchorage are going to end up on the beach. Typically the calmest place to land goes by the same rules, the best spot will be closest to the seaward side.

Gatos is a lovely spot with great views offshore from the headland.

The terrain is reminiscent of the Clint Eastwood / Sergio Leone westerns of a previous era. Would you believe they were filmed not far from here?

There are a few locals enjoying the sand, sun, and water.

The state of dress varies, and we wonder if protocol allows cameras. The gentleman above is taking a photo sans shorts, but we are dressed. What to do?

Linda decides to take a stroll down the beach, eyes averted of course (even though we are used to going bare ourselves, as you know).

The end of the day comes and the local flock heads inland for the night.

One last ride in the dinghy to take photos in the setting sun, and then we’ll hoist and secure it for the night. We prefer to be ready to head to sea when sitting in exposed anchorages, and having the dinghy (and the rest of the deck gear) tied down for departure means we can be underway in minutes should the need arise.

We could happily sit in this spot for a week. But the Internet link is too slow for Skype or sending large files, and there are projects which require our attention. So tomorrow we head west.