Back to Alghero, and a visit to Bandit Country

The more touristy areas of the Med are well appointed with 'Lookie Lookie' men (and women) who wander the towns and beaches politely trying to sell you sunglasses (the men) and handbags (the women).  They clearly guard their wares very carefully - this raft was carefully packed up and paddles out to the bay where we were anchored.  We must have looked particularly trustworthy, as the owner left it anchored next to us and swum back to the shore - he collected it again the next morning and we saw him setting out his wares on the beach.

Overnight parking

Maybe he can't swim, but this vendor didn't even set his sunglasses out till well after dark!

We saw two small pods of dolphins on our trip back to Alghero - these ones were much more blasé about yachts than the Biscay dolphins as they didn't bother to come over to play.

Clare and Jamie went for a fender ride behind the boat

Our fenders are clearly single person sized!  No fenders were injured during the filming.

Back to Capo Caccia - are you sure that gap is big enough???

This is in the entrance to Alghero Harbour - a lesson for the unwary?

Sadly our visitors had to leave us in Alghero and go back to the real world, but at least the sun was shining in the UK so they could show off their tans!

Sunset, Alghero

The marina charges in high summer in the Med are punishingly high, so we try to spend the absolute minimum time in them - Clare and Jamie left us at 0730, and by lunchtime we had been to the laundrette and the supermarket, done a fuel and water filter change on the boat, refilled with water and fuel and managed to escape the marina before being charged for another day.  We then needed to go sailing for a rest!

Our next excitement was meeting up with Frances and Peter who have also sailed from Eastbourne - Peter left about the same time as us, sailed with a selection of crew to Marseilles where he was joined by his wife Frances.  They have just sailed down the West coast of Corsica, we initially met in a little bay in Sardinia and the next day sailed across to Corsica to a bay that had some resemblance to a NCP car park!

Piccolo, heading for Corsica

Going ashore in Rondinara Anchorage, Corsica.

We went our separate ways the next day, Piccolo heading back north up the East coast of Corsica while we went to check out Bonifacio.  To say that this area is a millionaires' playground would be an understatement - many are clearly Billionaires!  It's as busy as the Solent, and there are some VERY serious yachts in these waters.

Just one of the little ones that came to show us their wash!

Bonifacio itself is spectacular - first you see the edge of the town, literally perched on top of the cliffs

As you continue you come to the narrow, cliff lined harbour.  It is a bit of a leap of faith entering this harbour, hoping that you will be able to turn round and get back out again!

The walled city, and a few of the yachts

The harbour opens up as you get  a little further in, and it gets VERY busy.

A bit more walled city

Leaving Bonifacio

We left the mayhem that is Bonifacio and headed for a small bay nearby, only to find it completely packed - rather than fight for space, we went back to the beautiful and peaceful bay where we'd first met up with Peter. I think we need to revisit Corsica in low season!!!

Nautilus - thanks Peter for the photos.

So - next stop - Olbia, to meet Nick and Debbie