www.Lets-go-Sailing.co.uk
Lady H blogs
August 2011
The first of the month found Sam and I anchored in Cala Stagnali. I like that place despite its name. It is surrounded by forests which give welcome shade from the heat when walking. By the 5th we were back in Olbia where we collected the lovely Eulalia and equally lovely Rebecca. They wanted anchorages rather than marinas or harbours which was fine with me as the marina prices this summer have rocketed in an attempt to boost income from the dwindling yachts here for the summer. Yes, the recession has reached the sailing fraternity, although there were enough superyachts charging through the islands to make the water rough at times. Perhaps they were like mini-cabs and chasing would be customers!
By the 8th we were in Corsica at anchor in Porto Novo, a delightful spot I had not visited before where there is even a fresh water spring close to the beach. It is secure enough to be used in the winter, and I look forward to returning there during my 'serious sailing' period of the year. Two days later we called into Bonifacio which was at its busiest. We managed to anchor there for the afternoon to give Eulalia and Rebecca a chance to do some sightseeing. Early evening saw us sailing back to Sardinia for a night at anchor in Porto Liscia
On the 12th we dropped Sam off in Palau, leaving the girls, Jack and I to sail down to Liscia della Saline. The following morning, whilst entering the Olbia channel we were rammed in the stern by a rather large motor yacht. Poor old 'Lizzie' came off worst with a considerable amount of damage to her mechanism. (A few days later, someone sent me a link to a news item where three yachtsmen were killed recently in a similar incident in Croatia.) Nevertheless we were still afloat and in one piece so we motored in to Olbia where Eulalia and Rebecca left to hitch to Alghero for their flights back to Spain. With legs like they have they had no dificulty in getting a lift, either!
That evening I was joined by Diane who is studying for her Coastal Skipper. She was only here for 4 days but I took the opportunity of letting her do all the navigation and decision making while I played the dumb crew. I do believe we both enjoyed the experience, and she can navigate for me any time.
The 17th saw Diane leave and Jack and I relocating to the Olbia Boat Services yard where the repairs to my stern were carried out. Repairs were good but we are still awaiting bits for the self steering. Oh, yes, Jack was not impressed with living in a boat yard as there were no 'interesting' smells.
On the 19th we were joined by Robbie (American) and his new wife Johana (Equadorian) Well, not THAT new as they had been married for two whole weeks! For the first few days we spent sailing in mainly light winds up to La Maddalena and back. Johana impressed me as she ate TWO fried eggs with her sausage and chips when it was my turn to cook.
The 22nd saw us anchored in Cala Portese on Isola Caprera where Jack had his first encounter with a Wild Boar. Jack was not at all scared but as he was on the boat and the boar was on the beach I guess he could afford to be brave.
On the 24th we were back in Olbia and joined by Gail, very much a novice pond sailor from Southampton but still the proud owner of a Jeanneau Sun Fast 37. She only managed two days of sailing with us down to Santa Maria Navaresse when the max wind speed was F4 before she cried 'enough' and left for the UK and the security of the Solent leaving me without crew/hostess AND self steering.
After a night stop further south from Santa Maria in Porto Corallo, we struck out for Sicily with a forecast of light winds. They weren't wrong, but we made it in 48 hours and spent the last day of the month at anchor
Mileage for the month. 724 nautical miles.
As a foot note to our damage by a motor yacht, Jack now barks at any boat approaching at speed.
WHAT THEY SAID!
Queridisisisimos Tim & Jack, gracias por estas vacaciones tan formidables y especiales .. uie plaser a ouestrolado. Os recuuerdo y recordare. Eulalia XXX
Lovely seven days spent on Lady H. You remind me of my grandfather, Tim, and not because of your age, same voice. Great to sing war songs with you and learn and listen to all your life experiences. Felt very comfortable on Lady H drinking cups of tea, never done that on Spanish boats! I will miss Jack's paws on the deck in the mornings. You've made a great decision coming out here and doing what you do. Congratulations! I think we can all learn from the life you lead. Remember you have two new friends in Barcelona and Madrid, and who knows, maybe I'll come out with my dad in the near future.
Thank you for putting up with our lazy attitudes, us chatting in Spanish and always asking for closer beaches. Enjoy the remains of the summer, and remember, if you want to ship Jack over to Spain I'll take care of him and teach him Spanish. You will be thought of in the cold winters and boring office hours. All my love, Rebecca. xxx
What a great 4 days sailing. Thank you for your patience and allowing me to put my skills into practice. I learned so much - much appreciated. Loved your company and your tales about many subjects. I fell in love with Jack - the new 'male' in my life. - Happy memories. Diane xxx