First Class Passenger

Enjoying the ship's pool and the showering facilities

Wednesday 15 June

Unfortunately XC Weather forecasts are just too spot on sometimes and since the last blog the wind blew constantly until Monday afternoon although the sun continued to shine. We moved from Porto Rotondo on Friday to Cannigione recommended by some Dutch sailing neighbours but despite the fact it was quite sheltered the town was not very inspiring and we moved on to La Maddalena on Saturday after an attempt to anchor in a bay, which we did and managed to have lunch before deciding we had had enough of being buffeted by the wind. We spent two very noisy (windy) nights in La Maddalena before heading back to Olbia on Monday not just because of getting back so the crew could get their flight on time today but because the battery charger has now decided to pack up. This means we have had to shut down one 'fridge and the beers are now competing with the food for space and we have been relegated to the marina showers, (apart from the First Class Passenger) which fortunately are very good being a brand new marina. The Captain has told us more times than I can recall about the workings of a battery and the charging process but the wind has blown it straight through one ear and out the other side with no information being retained (he would probably say that usually happens!) The oven has also packed up - not a coincidence apparently - so still have the hob but it makes catering even more interesting and innovative.

The crew and the First Class Passenger leave this afternoon and we have decided to head for home earlier than previously planned. We are going to Cagliari by train on Friday afternoon after Sequel is out of the water and then fly to Marseilles on Saturday and hopefully get the ferry from Cherbourg on Monday 20. Have had a lovely time and the weather today is absolutely perfect - typically - but so looking forward to being home, where everything works and doesnt rock.

New Crew

Thursday 09 June
The new crew arrived dead on time and the Captain now has a new First Mate, I have been demoted to Galley Slave (although think I might have been that already). Unfortunately the weather has been appalling since Saturday afternoon and we have had enough rain to float a ship, especially on Sunday when it didnt stop all day and not just showers but torrential downpours - not quite what we had in mind. We moved to Porto Rotondo just round the headland from Olbia going back towards La Maddalena islands on Wednesday and just managed to get tied up when the heavens opened again and a thunder storm too - new crew not very impressed. But today the sunny is shining again AND we have the mistral blowing again at force 5/6. Have managed to walk around the marina, spent 5 minutes on the beach (too windy) and the First Mate had half an hour in her paddling pool.
We plan to move again tomorrow to Cannigione in the gulf of Arzachena just opposite the Maddalena islands - but the winds are not looking good until possibly Tuesday of next week when we will head back to Olbia.

Olbia

Last night with Matt & Hev

Friday 03 June

Arrived in Olbia yesterday, another year older, and have told Bruce I will have the next two birthdays away if necessary but not the one after that. It was lovely to have Matt & Heather here to start with and was very spoiled by gifts and cards that had been cleverly and secretly arranged before we left - thank you. But then M&H left us - and then the day went down hill - we walked with them to the airport about 40 minutes from the marina and very hot and waved them goodbye after they had gone through security - not quite the same back on the boat and we both agreed we felt a bit like the crew on some of the big boats we have seen, cleaning up and waiting for the next set of guests to arrive. But feeling happier today and have hired a car to do some sightseeing on land - it was the first time we have driven anywhere for 3 weeks.

And we are very pleased to have found somewhere this morning to take Sequel out of the water on Friday 17 and to keep her on dry land until we return on 05 September (or thereabouts) - quite a relief to know that thats sorted. We are now planning what to do until Tuesday 21 when we fly back to Marseilles and back to Port St Louis to collect the car before returning home on 23 June. But before that we have the arrival of our little granddaughter - oh, and Claire & Gordy too, of course - to look forward to - and a week with them on board. Very exciting.

As for Olbia - great marina but miles out of town - so car a bonus - but from what we saw this morning a working town and nothing like as pretty as everywhere else we have been to - but we still have a bit of discovering to do.

Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda

Wednesday 01 June

Sitting in an internet cafe waiting for the wind to die down again! Have had a lovely few days since we left Bonofacio on Sunday. Had a short trip to La Maddelena the main town of the islands. Helped ourselves to a nice berth and sunbathed on the pontoon while Matt & Hev swam in the sea as it was clean and clear enough even in the marina.

On Monday we moved to a bay locally known as 'Tahiti' and very popular with the 'Riva' set (whoever they are?). There were about eight other boats, large and small, but the sea was beautifully clear and you could see the fish swimming around below the boat. Decided to stay the night and by early evening we were the only boat there - fantastic. Had a great evening - but then discovered why we dont like anchoring off. Spent most of the night rocking and rolling and Bruce & Matt were up moving the boat at 5.15 a.m. as the wind had changed and Sequel was getting too close to the rocks!

Moved on to Porto Cervo after lunch on Tuesday afternoon. Thought this was somewhere we needed to experience - it is a-maz-ing (ly awful) - but we are stuck here - had a terrific storm last night and the wind is blowing at 30 mph - force 6/7 - and the boys have decided its too windy to go. It is the first time we have resorted to sweatshirts as the wind is chilly too - but forecast is better again for tomorrow. We are on a stern-to mooring in the old port and the picture says it all - can you spot Sequel? We are surrounded by FB boats - I have shown them how the other half live today by hanging out my washing.