Sardinia and Corsica Trip 2
Mrs G and the race crew all flew into Olbia 31st May and joined Timoneer in Porto Cervo to partake in the Dubois Cup and the Loro Piana Cup. Conditions on the race courses over the 8 days were testing with very light winds with changing directions and some days then building to 30 knots or more before dropping off completely with the yachts drifting towards the finish line. We struggled in these conditions but still had a some great sails and a lot of fun but did not fare so well in the results. If you want to see more about these regattas click on these two links
http://www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com/
The race crew all left and Mrs G was joined by Bob and Mo, John and Linda and Sue. We left Porto Cervo in the morning and with no wind we went sightseeing off the coast enjoying the scenery, amazing houses and some big yachts. We went past Golfo Pero, Cala Di Volpe and Porto Rotondo to anchor off in Golfo Di Marinella. A quick, refreshing swim was had and then after lunch the guest’s went exploring between the rocks to the many bays around the gulf. The next morning we sailed to Cala Portese on the SE of Caprera Island, a beautiful spot for a swim and lunch. We motored over and anchored in Golfo di Saline and the guests walked up to the Bear rock at Capo D’Orso to take in the views. In the morning we headed to Cala Corsara on Spargi Is. After exploring ashore and swimming in the amazing blue water we headed north to anchor east of Budelli Is. for lunch. The shallows between Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria islands makes for a beautiful dinghy ride. In the afternoon we anchored off Porto Rafael. A village that started off as an artist’s colony in the 1960’s. The guests enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the small village square.
In the morning we headed across the Strait to Bonifacio, Corsica. Mrs G and her guests enjoyed a tender ride into the big cave with a light shaft from above lighting up the blue, blue waters inside the cave. Sue managed to get a photo from inside framing Timoneer. We then berthed in the harbour. After lunch the guests went exploring the town and enjoying the shopping. The guests went out for dinner and enjoyed some French cuisine and the crew also had a great dinner out compliments of the guests. In the morning we had a great sail, with full main and genoa, west along the coast of Corsica passing some beautiful beaches and stopping in Golfe de Murtoli for lunch and a walk ashore. We continued sailing along the coast until the wind suddenly died and we motored into Baie de Cupabia and anchored off the beach for the night. In the morning we motored to Ajaccio, the birth place of Napoleon. Streets, restaurants, shops and hotels were named after Ajaccio’s most famous son. The guests headed out to Le Grand Café Napoleon for lunch. Summer arrived that day with temperatures in the mid 90’s F (35C). Ajaccio was an interesting city well worth the visit.
We motor sailed back to Sardinia with the fishing lines out, but no luck. We anchored off a windsurfing centre in Porto Liscia where were entertained by some of the windsurfers. The next day we headed to Porto Palma on Caprera Is. where we stopped for lunch and a swim around the rocks from the beach. It would have been great for collecting sea urchins until we realised we were in a marine reserve. So after lunch the guests went to the coast of Sardinia in the dinghy in search of some sea urchins but found none. We went on to Porto Cervo which was much more lively than when we left. The morning was spent shopping and then we went to Agritourismo Cuducciolu for a lovely lunch sitting outside in the countryside. We checked out some terracotta pots on the way back. That evening the guests got invited to the boat next door and met a very nice family who are now based in Dubai. In the morning, after getting our anchor cleared by divers, we headed to Tavolara Island to visit the King but he was not on island. A tender ride along the cliffs of Tavolara was interesting and they found a little place of worship. In the evening we tied up in Marina di Olbia and Mrs G and her guests flew out the next morning.
“JC” John Cornish
