Second Big Leg

Sardinia

After bidding the KIPS a fond farewell, the Motley Crew set about preparing for the next big leg of the journey eastwards.  The Cap’n of course managed a few hours R&R on shore whilst GS took stock of her GS (green sh*t) wine supplies (special thanks to our wine connoisseur guests who coined this endearing term).

The Cap'n on R&R in Mallorca.
It's ok, boys.  This rugby fan is not related to us...

Finally prepared, the Windjammers set off directly for Sardinia.  There is only so much cala hopping, nightly party bopping and annoying anchoring manoeuvres that one can observe before the blood pressure ceases to function!  This 46 hour trip was to be our introduction to Roamin’ (get it?) Wind Gods.  Whilst our trusty pilot lists a multitude of winds, all with rather romantic names, Bob Cooper in “On the Nose” suggests there are really only three - Surlanez (on the nose), Intrafundamental (ahem!…from behind) or Nof#chingaventi (bugger all).  Go Bob, we found all three!!

Astro Boy was in town for a few days too!

After swatting nasty black flies, scaring turtles and playing chicken with several freighters during those long nights, we made the shallow entrance to Torre Grande Marina near Oristano in Sardinia.  Yes, we’d made Italy…  Here we planned to stay for a couple of recovery days.  The water was free (after 0.40c per litre for non-potable in Mallorca) but the fuel prices were crippling.  Just the thing when you’ve just motored 293 miles….   

Then it was just one lovely sunset

For anyone interested in the basics, there is no laundry at the Marina; facilities are basic but clean.  The payoff for time spent bucket washing is the nice little restaurant on the dock, with in retrospect, the best food we'd ever eaten.  Welcome to Italy!!  A bus services the Marina regularly and there is a laundromat and small chandlery not far from the supermarket on the road into Oristano. 

The Marina and nearby beach-side resort town is named after the rather solid cylindrical Aragonese (Spanish) watchtower that sits heavily on the coast in its midst.

After another...  this one's at sea

 

From:  Santa Ponca, Mallorca Lat/Long: 39:30.851N 02:28.375E Date/Time: 9/07/13: 1000

To: Oristano, Sardinia Lat/Long: 39:54.175N 8:29.506E Date/Time: 11/07/13: 0745
Time Taken: 293nm (46hrs) Distance (this year): 1022nm (161.5hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 11847nm   Weather: NW generally 3-4kts; mill pond calm;
Fastest Speed: Motored most of the way; played with dolphins