Across the sea to Italy - Sardinia

The 190 mile crossing from Fornells, Menorca to Sardinia was spectacular - lots of spinnaker sailing, some motoring during the hours of darkness when the wind dropped off completely, and the sea to ourselves as far as the eye could see.  The real excitement was the wildlife: The sea was vey calm and we saw 4 whales - the huge kind, presumably pilot whales which reach about 8m.  You could hear them coming up for air for miles!  We also saw a turtle, it swam round the back of the boat, and at least 60 dolphins

A Dolphin Performance

As the wind died in the evening the temperature on board reached about 40 degrees and it was time to brave the wildlife and go for a swim in the very deep, very blue sea.

                                                 Guess who?

It was a very relaxing crossing - the sea was so flat we could sail in very little wind, which was just as well as I'm not sure that he is concentrating very hard!

                                     On watch - apparently

After two days at sea we arrived in Alghero, Sardinia to await Clare and Jamie, our visitors for the week

                                    Just outside Alghero - and yes, this really is the sea!

The harbour consists of about 6 separate 'marinas', which are really only individual pontoons - as you arrive you are met by a selection of RIB's, with the different 'marina' personnel touting for your business - it did mean we could barter on the price which is handy as the are ridiculously expensive for a bit of pontoon and a shower in a shed!

The old walled city, full of charm

The old town, cobbled streets.

The old city defences

Not managing to keep the cruise ships at bay!

Not sure what the American Cruise Passengers would have made of the Cat Sanctuary next to the port!

There are clearly no rules at all regarding where you can have a restaurant!

There were more ice cream shops than Starbucks in New York, and also some impressive sweet shops as well as the usual leather sandals, cheap jewellery and beach wear.

After our brush with civilisation and spending two nights in a marina we set off for Capo Caccia across the bay.

King Kong went up the mast to find the perfect anchorage.

I think he found it: Capo Caccia anchorage.

Out with the kayak and into the caves.

Clare looking slightly nervous - it really was dark in there, and full of bugs

Caught on camera - I really don't think she likes it in there!

We spent a couple of days in Capo Caccia then set off North, rounding the tip of Sardinia and heading for Stintino, another very cute little town.  It would be unfair to say the trip was without incident:  Nautilus has a lifting keel and rudder, when they are both lifted we draw 60cm, however you are meant to use the hydraulic pump not the bottom of the sea for this activity!!  The sacrificial washer was sacrificed.  Personally I felt the system worked well - I considered it to be excellent training - himself was rather less enthusiastic about my training strategy!

Anyway - no harm done, we're still speaking, and here we are at anchor in Stintino

 The inner harbour - complete with art -  don't think we'd fit in this one, but there is also a marina where we can get water

Competitive rowing?

All the excitement clearly tires you out - pre dinner nap for the boys.

So the plan is to spend another day here, then head back to Alghero where Clare and Jamie will leave us.  We will then make our way to Olbia, for our next rendezvous, this time Nick and Debbie will be joining us for some Italian sunshine.