I have just spent a few days in Salvador after a singlehanded passage from the Canaries.

Having read the pilots, and various reports on this site, I was cautious of where I might moor, given that I needed to leave the boat for a couple of months while I return to the UK.

I recommend Pier Salvador. This is a small marina well to the north of the city in a quiet and safe part of town – Ribeira. It is situated on the west bank of a large bay and requires high water for safe access. I entered one hour before HW neaps with a 1.8m draft and found never less than 1.0m under the keel. After crossing this narrow bar, marked by a buoy, there is plenty of water inside the bay.

As others have remarked, you get a great welcome. Sandoval, the owner, can speak English and French and will offer every assistance, especially with paperwork – which is helpful in Brazil. In fact, when I slipped on the cabin steps and dislocated my shoulder, not only did he take me to the hospital, but insisted I stay at his house for the night!

There are a couple of small supermarkets nearby, but a short taxi ride takes you to the larger ones.

It’s a relaxing, and cheaper alternative to the more usual Salvador marinas.

Paul Heiney