Undoubtedly, this Irishman has been made to Spanish customs more than any of us. If could, he would have a house in both Cartagena and Cádiz, and can’t live without olive oil! … Thank you @HR352Tatsu for “opening your doors” and letting us know a little more about you.
Define yourself with three adjectives
Optimistic. Practical. Prepared.
How many years have you been coming to Yacht Port Cartagena?
Two and a half years.
How did you get here?
I chose YPC after a great deal of research in 2016, before I left the UK.
The Yachting Monthly magazine (probably the leading monthly publication in the UK) has an online forum at ybw.com and when I was researching the Western Mediterranean, Cartagena and YPC were mentioned time after time. There were many recommendations from people who had stayed here, many complimentary things were said about the marina and the town. The climate seemed better that many other locations and I watched many YouTube videos about Cartagena. When I read the Wikipedia page which said that in 2014 Cartagena was the warmest city in Europe, I knew it was for me!
How long are you going to be in the marina?
Until spring 2020.
What do you value most about Yacht Port Cartagena?
The location, the town, the climate and of course the great team that work at YPC.
What is the first thing to do or to see you would recommend from Cartagena to a friend?
Walk through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, along the Calle Major and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful town.
I have been informed that you have crossed the Atlantic by boat. Who did you do with? Why did you do it? How was the experience?
I crossed with a sailing friend who was completing an Atlantic circuit, returning from the Caribbean to the UK, because I wanted to experience a long passage. The crossing was between Bermuda and the Azores and took a little over twelve days. It was a fantastic experience, which has left me wanting more. Having the elements, wind and weather systems dictate your days is far removed from everyday life. The islands of the Azores are beautiful and I plan to go back one day.
Tell me a typical Spanish dish that you loved. Do you know how to cook it?
I crossed Biscay in June, 2017 and discovered Fabada Asturiana, which I have cooked a few times. In Galicia I loved Pulpo a la Gallega and of course Paella – I have a Paella pan on board and regularly cook Paella to a Valencian recipe.
A book that you recommend:
South, The Endurance Expedition, by Ernest Shackleton. An amazing account of optimism, courage and perseverance in the face of desperate circumstances. Shackleton led his party to safety despite losing his ship to the ice, against all odds. A very moving story of human endurance.
A city that you’re passionate about
The two which stand out for me are Cadiz and Cartagena, each amazing in their own right. Both have outstanding architecture and a rich history. Both have been remarkably well preserved and share an impressive naval background. If I could afford it, I would have an apartment in each of them!
When you sail, do you hear music or do you prefer the rumor of the sea?
On my most recent crossing, I made a playlist of new music on my iPod and listened to that each night when I was on watch. Music has associations and will always remind you of what you were doing when you heard a particular song. I have locked my memories of that passage to these tracks and I am transported there whenever I listen to the playlist.
What hobbies do you have?
Sailing. Sailing. Sailing… though I have recently bought a kayak and a new camera, so I suppose I could add kayaking and photography to that list!
A dream to fulfil
As for the dream, I have a 1953 copy of The Kon-Tiki Expedition by Thor Heyerdahl on board my boat. I have had the book since I was fourteen and read many times, the story of how Heyerdahl sailed a balsa wood raft from Peru to French Polynesia. I recently found another book, an account of the same voyage on a boat made of reeds in 2002, which I read on my passage from Bermuda to the Azores and I have found myself dreaming about sailing from Peru to New Zealand aboard my own boat, which I think would be more comfortable than a boat made of logs and longer lasting than one made of reeds!
You would not be able to live without…
Garlic. My Macbook. Reading glasses. Olive oil.
Your last trip?
The last trip I made on my own boat was to Ibiza, Mallorca and Formentera, a thirteen day tour of the islands, anchoring in beautiful calas, swimming in crystal clear water, enjoying incredible views.
Your next crossing?
Next year I hope to cross the Mediterranean to Africa, before heading West and out of the Mediterranean to Madeira, then the Islas Canarias, where I may winter, before I cross the Atlantic.
Could you tell us the advantages and inconveniences of living on board?
Okay, advantages first, of course!
There is no wasted space. The boating community is very friendly. You have a better view from the cockpit table than any restaurant in town. The movement and sounds of the boat always ensure restful sleep. There is a sea view from every cabin. Housework only takes ten minutes.When you become tired of the view, you can move the boat.
Disadvantages? Well, only a couple. Maintenance; because of sunshine, wind and salt water, things wear out and perish or break regularly on a boat, so you always have some maintenance to do every day… but this is not really a disadvantage if, like me, you enjoy this side of boating. There is no space for a garden!
What destination would you repeat?
A Coruña was very impressive and further South, the Rias of Muros, Arousa, Pontevedra and Vigo were stunning. I would like to visit Cadiz again of course and Porto and Lisbon were places I could visit again and again.
Will you ever go back to YPC?
I will be very sorry to leave next year, but I feel confident that one day I will be back. Cartagena has so much to offer!
A dream to fulfill
As for the dream, I have a 1953 copy of The Kon-Tiki Expedition by Thor Heyerdahl on board my boat. I have had the book since I was fourteen and read many times, the story of how Heyerdahl sailed a balsa wood raft from Peru to French Polynesia. I recently found another book, an account of the same voyage on a boat made of reeds in 2002, which I read on my passage from Bermuda to the Azores and I have found myself dreaming about sailing from Peru to New Zealand aboard my own boat, which I think would be more comfortable than a boat made of logs and longer lasting than one made of reeds!
Name: Julian Cureton-Corbett
Boat Name: Tatsu
Nationality: Irish
Profession: Independent Maritime Professional
Country of residence: United Kingdom
Instagram @thetravelsoftatsu
Facebook @HR352Tatsu