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.

Barcelona to Fornells, Menorca - 120 Miles, 22 Hours

Fornells, Menorca

THURSDAY 28 - FRIDAY 29 MAY

We left mainland Spain for the last time to go to Menorca, ready for our crossing to Sardinia. We managed to sail over half the way there and only used about 40 litres of diesel. Small sail jelly fish accompanied us the whole way to Menorca. We had only seen these once before when we sailed to Tenby a few years ago. The only other wildlife we saw on the trip was a dolphin which jumped right next to the boat as I was looking into the water and scared the life out of me! I was feeling a little seasick late afternoon and couldn’t eat any tea. I took the 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. night watch, during which I was sick. It was a very clear night and the stars were magnificent, although I was feeling too ill to enjoy them.

We picked up one of the free buoys in Fornells about 8.30 a.m. and after a bacon and egg breakfast (I was feeling better by then!) had a siesta. There didn’t seem to be so many buoys as last year, but it may still be a little early in the season. Luckily, the wonderful cheap restaurants were open, still serving excellent Menu del Dias during the day and evening for about 8 euros.

Diesel: 1.05c, 40 euros.

Wildlife: Dolphins, Sail Jellyfish

Barcelona

Chimneys of Casa Mila

SUNDAY 24 - WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 2009

After my two week visit to see Jess and help her find her first house, I returned to Barcelona.  We managed some more sightseeing including the Plaza de Espana with its famous Magic Fountain, Montjuic, the Poble Espanyol, which was built for the 1929 International Exhibition and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya which has an impressive collection of art dating from 12th Century. 

 

During the next couple of days we concentrated on Gaudi, visiting the Parc Guell and various Gaudi buildings, including the Sagrada Familia. We also managed a visit to The Ice Bar, where the temperature is kept at about -5 degrees and everything is made of ice, including the glasses you drink out of!

There is certainly plenty to keep you occupied in Barcelona, and would be an excellent choice for overwintering, as the prices at Port Olympic are very reasonable for long term stays.

We booked an extra couple of nights at the Marina as the weather looks better to make the 120 mile crossing to Menorca on Thursday.

MARINA: Port Olympic, Barcelona - 51 euros for 2 nights, including electricity and 30% discount.

Barcelona

WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2009

I was flying home to see our daughter and help her look for her first house.  My flight to the UK was late afternoon, so Roger and I managed some more sight seeing including the fantastic Maritime Museum and the Museuo de Erotica. We had visited the Museuo de Arte Erotica about 10 years ago, which had included pictures by Picasso, amongst others, but were disappointed in it now as it was about a third of the size and they had definitely taken the ‘art’ out of it.

Barcelona Maritime Museum

Montserrat

Montserrat

TUESDAY 5 MAY 2009

We took the train and cable car to visit the monastery at Montserrat – how come the monks always get the best real estate? The views were outstanding, as the monastery is situated 725 meters up the 1236m high mountain of Mont Serrat, which is made up of weird shaped conglomerate rocks. 

The excellent Museum houses world famous paintings by Picasso, Dali, Ramon Casas and Caravaggio. There are some superb walks up the mountain, with hermits’ caves and small chapels on the way. It was especially beautiful with the spring flowers.

Vilanova to Barcelona - 31 Miles

La Rambla

MONDAY 4 MAY 2009

We arrived at the friendly Port Olympic Marina in Barcelona just after lunch and managed a stroll up the Ramblas, a visit to FNAC with our faulty Television, and a meal at The Hard Rock Café.



PORT OLYMPIC MARINA:  Cheaper than Port Vell.
Diesel – 0.95 c. per litre, 70 euros

Castello de la Plana to Bahia des Alfacs, Ametlla de Mar and Vilanova

A strong Force 6 blowing, but fairly comfortable anchorage

WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL - FRIDAY 1 MAY 2009

Getting diesel was quite a palaver, as we had to say how much diesel we wanted and couldn’t just fill the tanks up, so we had to guess. The machine would not accept my cards, so the marinero used his card and we had to give him cash. We finally left about 10.00 a.m. in sunshine. We managed to sail for a while and then Roger put the cruising shute up for the first time this year – it only involved two swearing sessions putting it up, but a few more getting it down. The boat is sailing very well and managed about 6.5 knots in a gentle breeze with the spinnaker. 

Bahia des Alfaces is a very large bay sheltered by a sand spit and salt lake. We motored about 6 miles to the further end of the bay to get the most shelter from any swell and anchored. The holding is excellent in sand or mud and should be protected in any weather.

The next day we relaxed at anchor and Roger gave the Seahopper another outing, trying to perfect the lug sail rig. He only seems to be able to go down wind at the moment. Luckily it’s got oars!

The wind blew up to a strong Force 6, so we decided to spend another day at anchor in the sheltered lagoon.

Diesel: 95 euros; 95c litre


2 MAY

BAHIA DE ALFACS- AMETLLA DE MAR - 47 MILES

The wind was still quite strong in the morning but had eased by lunch time, so we set off about 12.30 p.m. Roger wanted to sail off the anchor, which we managed, but almost immediately we ran aground in the shallow waters – a bit worrying when there is little tide to help lift you off! We managed to get off using full engine and using the sails to heel the boat slightly.

We managed to sail most of the way using the Spinnaker and later with the head sail poled out, and only had to motor the last 5 miles – our carbon footprint has just improved! Dolphins welcomed us to the port about 8.30 p.m.

3 MAY 2009

AMETLLA DE MAR - VILANOVA - 57 MILES

Set off in a Force 5 – 6 and had two reefs in the main, but within half an hour the wind dropped to a Force 3 and then a Force 2

MARINA VILANOVA - 31 euros