Launching a sailing dingy. - Page 2

If you want to talk to me, I can help, I was the founder of Samm sailings  you can call me 968170870

anytime i live here permanently. David

Can second Will60's post. We live 50 metres from that slip. Small boats, dinghies and jetskis using it all the time. Also easy parking for car and trailer, nice bar/restaurant in the marina and local social bar nearby for refreshments.

I saw last week 2 individuals who tried to launch a small dingy and jet ski) in the new ramp (you mentioned) and a local official in van drove up to them and spoke to them for a few minutes (heated) and they both drove off as the chain was not across the access. The oficial then locked it up. Also a few weeks ago a guy reversed a van with a trailer to recover his jet ski. A local police officer drive up and pointed out the sign to say the ramp can’t be used. He also issued them with some paperwork he filled out - they were not happy so it looklike it is enforced with a fine. That is just my experience from sitting at the Alaska bar having lunch and watching the world go by. 

Thanks for the info. I am not sure where some people are getting their  info from as I have been told it’s ok to use it and it is used a lot by all sorts of boats and jet skies. Perhaps someone wants me to get fined. I knew I was right not to attempt to use it. Not actually sure why they rebuilt it as a launch ramp after the storm damage if no one is allowed to use it.  Thanks

I am afraid you are wrong about the ramp (latest posts) it looks like people are getting fined for using it and it also looks like some one is removing the padlock without permission. No fines for me as I will obey the signs and not break through the chain fence.

I guess it is for authorised boats and for the SOS crew’s jet ski during the summer.  The guy with the van and the ski trailer was I would suggest “chancing his arm” as we saw the jet skier came from the other side of the Mar Menor at great speed arriving just as the van reversed the trailer and van to the sea shore and was just loading it up as the local police officer turned up and took out a paper folder/clip board.  I live by the ramp and have just check the signs, photo attached. Don’t know if your dingy having  a motor/engine make a difference?  May be worth checking with the ayuntamiento (town hall), just a suggestion. 

It does seem a confusing and complex situation on the Rambla launching ramp in Los Alcázares

Have contacted the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall ) for some official answers and have asked what the medium and long term plan is.

We shall see...

I have been involved with sailing on the Mar Menor for over 20 years and I started SAMM Sailing  Association some 15 years ago which is still running.

Before we started our first job was to gather info on what you can and cannot do. I first spoke with the Captain of the port in Cartagena, also the Port Authority, Murcia Sailing Association and finally the Costa's.

We learned a lot, if you want to sail a boat on the Mar Menor you need to go through one of the Spanish sailing clubs. As an individual you will not get very far, as they do like to deal with an organised associations or groups. With reference to launching a boat it is not legal to cross any of the beaches to launch or recover, and you can get into trouble, I do know a few have.

All this is not very easy especially for dinghy sailors, but there are some answers. You could get your name down with the Shoestring dinghy group, they are a very good sailing group and operate from CAR, you could also try joining the Dinghy club in Cartagena they sail Gambas, Snipes and Lasers.

Most Spanish dinghy sailors tend to trail sail around open events, not possibly what you had in mind. If you want to go a bit bigger there is a very well organised swinging mooring and water taxi in Company Lo pagan where you can buy a fully serviced mooring at a very reasonable cost and they also run some events. I also sail from the same venue racing International One Meter radio controlled yachts, which is Sea World. At my age now this suits me, don't like getting wet any more after over sixty years sailing.

It is when in Rome do as the Romans do. There are a few other possibilities but they do mean travelling. You will also need to comply with Spanish sailing law such as sailing licences, boat registration insurance, etc., They are nothing to be afraid of and can be seen as a new extension to your sport. It is just a case of speaking to the right people, if you do I am sure you will find them as I did very helpful.

David

We're still wondering what boat you have!

☺