Fornells, Menorca to Porto Torre Grande, Sardinia, then Carloforte, Isola di San Pietro

SUNDAY 31 MAY - WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE

The lazy line we had to cut

We left Fornells when it was still dark at 5.15 a.m. It seemed strange to be leaving Spanish waters behind us, as we have been in Spain on and off for the past 18 months. We’re heading for a new culture, new cuisine and a new language.

As I was sick on the last night passage, I decided to put on an anti-seasickness patch – they last about 72 hours, so are great for longer journeys. We motored the first 100 miles and had to transfer diesel from our containers, but we were then able to sail most of the way.

During the night there was thunder, lightning and rain. It was quite enjoyable tracking the rain squalls on the radar and watching the sheet lightning light the sky but when the fork lightning started, I got worried. The only tall thing for miles around was us and if it was looking for something to hit, ‘Susannah’ could be the target! During the whole journey, we only picked up one ship on our AIS – and that was 35 miles away! I turned the radar off and contemplated turning the chart plotter off and putting both of them in the oven for protection, but in the end I didn’t want to be without the chart plotter. I’ve found the best way to pass a night watch is with my i-pod listening to Faithless and Metallica – it’s even better when you have your own light show to watch!


As we were nearing Sardinia, a securite message gave a strong wind warning of 7 – 8 for the area, which decided us that we would have to go into the Marina tonight. The Pilot Book says the charge band for Torre Grande is 3, which is quite high, but the charge was only 22 euros a night. We arrived in a strong Force 5 and booked in for 2 nights because the wind is forecast to remain strong until tomorrow lunch time.

We spent the next day doing the washing and trying to get to grips with the Italian language, now we’re in Italian waters.

Our exit from the Marina on Wednesday was slightly embarrassing as we managed to catch our own lazy line – although we were right in the middle of the marina when it got caught in the prop. Roger had watched it sink, but it must have sunk very slowly! We called the Marineros to help us rebirth and Roger managed to untangle it – not easy with the Marineros watching as they didn’t want any more of their line cut! We finally left about 10.30 a.m. and motor sailed about 50 miles to Carlaforte, arriving about 7.30 p.m.

MARINA TORRE GRANDE: 44 euros for 2 nights, including water, electricity and showers. No internet.