Lady H blogs
www.Lets-go-Sailing.co.uk
June 2011
June 30th.
It has been a good month despite stowaways with both two and four legs to contend with.
The month started with Judy still on board and the arrival of Sarah and Claire. Both were new to sailing and Sarah was determined to learn and had signed up for two weeks. Claire was equally keen but had only two days to spare from a busy work schedule.
The sail from Olbia to La Maddalena on the 2nd was done in mainly light winds with a lunch/swim stop over in Cala Volpe. The following morning was an early start for an afternoon's sightseeing in Bonifacio. My good friend Simon joined us for dinner and the ladies on board were so taken by his Galic charm that he was easily persuaded to sail back to La Maddalena, catching the bus to Santa Teresa and the boat back to Corsica. What should have been a great night sail was spoilt by lack of wind but made up for with various singalong songs. - Oh if only we could remember all the words.
Claire also left on the 4th via the bus back to Olbia leaving Judy and Sarah. A day off in La Maddalena was followed by a sail around some of the islands and an evening anchorage in Cala Lunga where we met Pete and Courtney, a couple of Americans on a wooden square rigged gaff cutter. A lovely boat, lovely people and a great evening on their boat. Unfortunately the picture of their boat on this page does not do it justice. The following morning Jack found our first stowaway of the month. A rat was found hiding in the cockpit pocket locker and was quickly advised to swim ashore. I hope he made it because, despite being a stowaway rat, he was actually a beautiful creature. I think Jack expected me to keep it for a playmate for him!
Next stop was Porto Vecchio in Corsica where we anchored the first night then moved into the marina for a bit of sightseeing. We then moved south to an anchorage at Golfo di Rondinara, a place I hadn't visited for about 4 years. It is still beautiful! Winds were such that it was sensible to spend two nights there so it was the 10th when we left. A great sail with Sarah reaching a top speed of 7.2 knots while towing the dinghy. The next three days were spent sailing the islands picking up various delightful anchorages for the evening or for lunch.
After Sarah and Judy left, Jack and I sailed very slowly south in light winds to Cala Liscia Ruia where we anchored for 3 nights to do a few chores which included 'redecorating'.
15th. Evening anchorage to ourselves until a bare boat charter yacht pulled in. Just two people on board and Jack barked to draw my attention to the rather attractive woman swimming naked. She waved to us both. I'm not complaining!
16th. Early morning walk with Jack and discovered a feral dog and pup. They looked well fed as the beach is frequented by sunbathers in the day. Got bitten horribly in the night. Either this year's mosquitos are fitted with silencers or we brought biting things back from our evening walk in the bush.
18th. Jack spent a happy hour in the early morning chasing butterflies on the beach. A forecasted bothersome Mistral meant it was sensible to head for Olbia for the weekend where we tied up to the town quay in the old harbour. It was while we were there, waiting for my daughter Leyla and her husband Owain that we met the month's second stowaways in the shape of Lucy and Gaelle.
Lucy had stopped to say hello to Jack and we got chatting. It transpired that they had signed up to 'sail' a Chinese Junk over to Turkey but had been misinformed by the skipper of said boat. It had no masts or sails!
I was quickly in awe of Gaelle as she had recently finished a season on the 'Steve Irwine', a Sea Shepherd ship used to stop Japanese whaling ships from killing even more whales in the southern oceans. All power to her and those who are dedicated to a point that they are prepared for direct action. Lucy, on the otherhand, was a vivacious 30-something who was keen to learn. I happily offered to take them sailing!
The first evening saw us anchored in Olbia bay, then on the 22nd we sailed up to La Maddalena with winds perfect for the cruising chute. The 23rd included a stop off for those on board to explore some of the old fortifications on Isola Caprera, followed by an evening anchorage in Cala Garibaldi.
The 24th saw a good sail up to Porto Vecchio in a F5/6. The following morning the winds were much lighter so it was a light wind sail down to an anchorage behind Ille Piano. I had not used that anchorage before but will certainly be using it again.
Being only 5 miles from Bonifacio, the 26th saw us there by 11am but as prices have risen darmatically there we anchored in the Cala. It still cost 20 Euros but was worth it for Simon's company that evening and the music he played for us on his Classical guitar. That boy has talent!
It was nearing time for Leyla and Owain's departure so on the 27th we sailed down to San Stefano for a night anchorage, then motored over to Palau on the morning of the 28th so they could get the bus back to Olbia.
On the 29th, Lucy, Gaelle and I (and Jack) left to spend the afternoon anchored in Dead Man's Passage followed by a cracking night sail up to Porto Veccio. 7.1 knots with two reefs. Good, Lucy, but not quite good enough to get the month's record.
The morning of the 30th we moved from Porto Vecchio anchorage into the marina so Lucy and Gaelle could catch the ferry back to France.
Mileage for the month. 425. The month's speed record goes to Sarah at 7.2 knots whilst towing the dinghy.
WHAT THEY SAID!
Thank you, Tim, for a wonderful two weeks. You are such a good teacher, calm and very patient. Thank you for getting me started in sailing. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time, you have helped build my confidence up and I can't wait to learn more. I will miss you and Jack very much and am looking forward to sailing with you both again. - Sarah.
What a wonderful way to spend a glorious Spring - zooming around the glorious islands of Sardinia, Corsica and La Maddalena. Everything from high winds to total calms, glorious sunshine to amazing thunderstorms.
Captain Jack and Skipper Tim have led the voyages of exploration with great calm and deep knowledge. I have enjoyed every minute - even when I had to heave my matress onto the deck to dry! I had slept through a torrential rainstorm with my portlight open - woops!
Lots of sightseeing, swimming and even sunbathing and sailing. What more could I ask? I can now tie a bowline (NB Mustn't forget) and even do a little navigation - well I should be able to after 578 miles.
I will be dreaming of pasta, Tim's chips and sausages, cups of tea and Jack running off with his lead asking to be taken for a walk. Not forgetting Sardinian wine going up from 59 cents to 69 cents a litre, and games of Take 2 when we had no mains electricity for the DVD player. Great time, never to be forgotten - Thank you. - Judy.
Thank you so much Tim and Captain Jack Sparrow for looking after the stowaways. May there be many more adventures at sea!!! - Lucy
Happy days onboard Lady H! Good sailing, good talks. Thank you, Tim, for listening and telling me about your sailing knowledge - will definitely be useful to go back to sea and sink some whalers. (he-he)
We live on the most amazing planet ...... Yet we destroy it......... Time to get things done, come on Steve Irwin.
Wish you the best, along with Jacky boy, you rock. A bientot! - Gaelle.
Pictures from top.
Claire with Judy on the helm in the Olbia channel.
American boat
Sarah on the help with Judy
New look interior - port side
New look interior - starboard side
The stowaways, Lucy and Gaelle with Jack
Simon on guitar
Leyla navigating
Caprera fortifications
Owain admiring the view (of the fortifications)
My lovely daughter, Leyla
Son in law, Owain - almost handsome!