sy Timoneer

On the 5th August, Silvia, Philip and Bronwyn flew in to Skiathos Island to join Timoneer. That afternoon Silvia joined friends on their yacht for a cocktail cruise while Philip and Bronwyn explored Skiathos town. The next day Mrs G, Robin, Mary and Tanya flew in. Within half an hour of arriving, Mary, Tanya, Philip and Bronwyn went swimming and found out the hard way that sea urchins are to be avoided. Not a great start to their holiday.

In the morning we headed out to Tsoungria Island off Skiathos with Silvia’s friends for a swim and lunch. One of these guests, it turned out, had been though college with Mrs G. Tanya’s 52 spikes in her foot required a visit to the Dr and after they were all dug out, Mary, Robin and her joined us by tender. We had a sail after lunch which was cut short by fading winds and the need to get Silvia’s guests home so that they could start preparing dinner at their house for our guests. Our guests had a great night out and then some of the younger ones carried on to check out the clubbing scene which Skiathos town is now known for.

We got underway at breakfast to start the 55 nm trip to Skyros Island, the most southern of the Northern Sporades. The wind was from behind which made for a rolly trip that was not enjoyed by all. On arrival at Skyros the wind picked up to 40 knots making it very unpleasant. Luckily this wind did not last long and some of the guests went to the beach and others went to explore Skiros town on the other side of the island. Skyros has a lot of artists and Silvia and Robin made some purchases to send home.

The next day was another big one. This time sea sickness tablets made for a much more enjoyable 60 nm sail. The seas were much bigger as well. On arrival at Andros Island we anchored off the beach at Ormos Fournos near Batsi. Everyone, except Mrs G, went tubing behind the tender. Many laughs and spills were had. In the morning we took the guests by tender to Batsi to get a taxi to explore the island and Kastro town. We moved the yacht on to the dock while they were away and became a local tourist attraction for everyone. Mrs G took her scooter for a look around Batsi which is a small beach resort town.

In the morning the guests went to a Greek Orthodox church service before we departed for Kea Island. We had a nice sail reaching 14.5 knots and arrived in time for a swim and a relaxing afternoon. After dinner the young ones went to the port of Korissia but did not find much of interest and returned to the yacht soon after.

The next morning we sailed to Sounion to visit the temple of Poseidon which was built around 400 BC. They then had lunch ashore at a waterside restaurant. After lunch, there was time for a swim and nap and then we had to head to Athens for the evening before their morning departure.

Mrs G stayed on Timoneer and Robin spent 3 nights in Athens centre exploring and awaiting her friends to arrive before they all joined  Timoneer for the next leg, Athens to Kythera Island.

JC

Timoneer and her crew left Olbia on the 9th July to head to Malta to repair the boom. We were very lucky with the weather and had calm seas the whole way. As per usual we had the fishing lines out but got nothing the first day. However the next morning we caught a very nice Big Eye tuna. Soon after we hooked another fish but lost it. The morning of the 11th we came along the coast of the islands of Malta. They are very dry with a lot of fortifications built up over millenniums of invasions. Arriving in Valletta was quite spectacular with the dome of the cathedral, spires of many churches and massive walls on which the city is built.

Our repairs have taken longer than expected after finding a large crack in the carbon that also needed fixing. Today we finally put the boom back together and we left about an hour ago. We now have 350nm to go to reach Pilos, Greece. There we will clear into Greece and pick up our Greek cruising log and then we will be able head to Athens another 200 miles on.

JC

Here is a small selection of our photos from Sardinia and Corsica

JC

The Miller’s, the Palm’s and Phebe arrived in Olbia and we left for Cala Sabina passing the fire scorched headland of Capo Figari. After lunch the guests went to a small beach nearby for a swim. We then motored to Golfo Saline and anchored for the night. In the morning the adults walked to Bear rock. On their return we motored to Bonifacio having lunch underway. The guests caught the tourist “train” up to the town and walked around the fort walls and small streets before returning to the yacht. The kids took turns driving the tender and took us out of the harbour into the swell and we went into the big cave and played with  the echoes.

The next morning we went back to Sardinia and picked up friends and dropped anchor in Porto Liscia. All the kids enjoyed jumping off the paseral and swimming. After lunch we went sightseeing in the islands. All the guests went ashore at Santa Maria for a swim before heading back to drop the extra guests off at their resort. We went and anchored off Porto Rafael for the night. Next morning the guests went into Porto Cervo by dinghy and we continued on towards Portisco. We dropped anchor for lunch and then the guests went ashore at Cala Razza di Giunco to enjoy the white sandy beach before we had to head back to Marina di Olbia. We tried sailing with the genoa and mizzen but the wind died. The guests flew out the next morning.

“JC” John Cornish

Arthur, Page, Rob, Lisi, Oscar and Caroline arrived in Olbia 25th June and we left straight away and headed to Golfo di Marinella for lunch followed by an afternoon on the beach. We then headed to Golfo Saline and anchored for the night. In the morning the guests walked up to Bear Rock at Capo D’Orso to enjoy the view over the Archipelago de Maddelena. We then headed out into the archipelago and anchored off the rocks south of Santa Maria Is for lunch and a swim at the beach before going for a short sail to Porto Liscia. Little did we know that was going to be the last sail possible. A day later we found sheared bolts in the boom preventing us from being able to use the mainsail.

We motored to Bonifacio and Arthur and his guests took the tender exploring the cliffs fortifications and the big cave while we went and docked Timoneer in the harbour. They spent the afternoon walking the streets of the old town and shopping before heading out for dinner. While there we heard the Tour de France was passing by very close the next day. In the morning we donned yellow scarfs  and walked 15 minutes out of town to watch the sponsors “caravan” and wait for the cyclists to arrive. They were averaging 42km/h (27mph) and it was amazing how close together they were. They all flew by very quickly with most in one big group. We left Bonifacio soon after and headed to Porto Liscia where some of the guests went windsurfing and the others enjoyed the beach. The next morning was spent wake boarding and sunbathing before motoring to Porto Cervo to watch the very stylish marineros in action tying up the boats. Ashore you could go car shopping with the choice of 3 Bugatti Veyron’s varying in price from 1 to 3 million Euros each or if you wanted a cheap car there was a Maserati for 100,000 Euro. Porto Cervo is not known as the billionaires playground for no reason. In the morning some of the guests braved the mast and went to the top before we headed south to Cala Sabina. Along the way we passed some of the biggest yachts in the world including the 535 foot (163m) Motor Yacht Eclipse. We also did a flyby in Cala di Volpe which  had some more 400 foot plus yachts. The guests spent the afternoon on the white sand beach of Cala Sabina before heading back to Marina di Olbia in the evening. It was an early start in the morning for the guests to catch a 7am flight.

JC

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.duboiscup.com

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

Our summer Med  guest season started 25th May when Mrs G’s grandson Tom and 5 of his friends flew in to Olbia, Sardinia. After airport delays and missed flights all 6 of them eventually made it to Timoneer by 9pm. Unfortunately Roberts bag did not make it. The next morning we headed off in the drizzle and dropped anchor off the Island kingdom of Tavolara. The guys braved the cool conditions and went swimming in the 15 C (59 F) water. After lunch we had a great sail in strong winds and choppy  seas and headed in to Golfo di Marinella to anchor off a deserted beach. Ashore, the beach bars were getting ready for the season. The Costa Smeralda has a very short season and then it shuts up and is deserted until the next summer.  The next day we motored north to Golfo Saline and the guests went ashore to climb the Bear rock at Capo d’Orso. Easily confused with “beer” shaped rock in a Kiwi accent. On their return we moved around to the Golfo di Arzachena and anchored near Cannigioni and went ashore for a look before dinner.

In the morning we moved back to Golfo Saline and finally Robert was reunited with his luggage. We then headed across the Strait to Bonifacio, Corsica. Bonifacio is an amazing historic town built on top of cliffs with a narrow harbour behind it. The weather finally became sunny and helped to make exploring the fort and old town more enjoyable. It also brought tourists down to the docks which the guys enjoyed. In the morning they went exploring the coast in the tender and found cliffs to jump off. They also found a massive. cave to drive the tender into. Leaving Bonifacio we saw dolphins as we headed back to Sardinia. We tried fishing along the way but had no luck. We anchored near Palau in Rada di Mezzo Schifo. It was a fine evening so we had a BBQ. We had to keep a close eye on the food after a seagull stole some ribs off the BBQ and swallowed them bones and all.

The next day we headed out to Cala Corsara on Spargi Island where we anchored in picture perfect turquoise waters and the guys went ashore scrambling up the rocks until the hiss of a snake made them retreat. We have since learnt there are no venomous snakes in Sardinia so they were in no danger. After lunch we went sailing and had a great sail hitting 14.5 knots as we headed south past Porto Cervo. Unfortunately we then went a bit further than planned when we had a hydraulic issue and could not furl away the genoa. Once we sorted that we headed back to Porto Cervo which was slowly waking up after being shut for 8 months over the winter. The guys had no problem finding some bars that were open and had a big night out.  Some were quite quiet the next day as we drove out into the countryside to go for a traditional Sardinia lunch at Agritourismo Cudacciolu. After 3 hours of eating and drinking everyone left with swollen stomachs.

No trip to Italy is complete without having pizza and somehow the guys managed to find room for a whole one each that evening.

5 am they headed off back to Olbia to head home.

JC

Noon Position  39deg 34N 002deg  38E

Course  –  Degrees   Speed –    Knots        Day’s Run –  245 Miles

Weather –

Wind  –   knots from    degrees

Timoneer arrived in Palma 11am on Monday after a very different welcome to the Med than 2 years ago. We had a very pleasant trip up from Gibraltar. While passing Formentera Island the water was glassy with the light house reflecting across the water. The fishing was not so good. We tried all the way in to the Bay of Palma but with no luck.

Paz is booked in for surgery on her ankle today and we wish her luck.

Timoneer will be based in Palma for the next  4 weeks doing mechanical work, general maintenance and getting ready for the busy season ahead.

JC

Noon Position  37deg 04N  001deg  22W

Course  – 54 Degrees   Speed –  10.5  Knots        Day’s Run – 207  Miles

Weather –   Sunny and calm seas

Wind  –  5 knots from  110  degrees

We left Gibraltar at 3pm after Paz returned with crutches and her foot in a cast. She is doing well but looking forward to getting home to Palma.

We have had good conditions since leaving other than 10 knots on the nose slowing us down. Everyone has enjoyed smooth nights sleep. This morning we rounded Cabo de Gata at sunrise with calm seas. This stretch of water can be very rough and windy, so we are all happy about the conditions. We have had visits from dolphins and seen pilot whales cruising by. The fishing lines have been out since dawn and we are hoping for some tuna.

With 240 miles to go we hope to be in Palma and tied up by lunch.

JC

Noon Position  36deg 08N 005deg  22W Gibraltar

Course  –  Degrees   Speed – 0   Knots        Day’s Run – 168  Miles

Weather –  Sunny but cool 

Wind  –  20 knots from  70  degrees

It was amazing that yesterday afternoon could be so different from the morning. We had smooth seas and light winds. We had the fishing lines out but no strikes. Unfortunately the weather changed again in the evening and we had 40 knots on the nose while we were trying to get through the Straits. This wind against the current flowing in to the Med made for very lumpy seas which slowed us down to 6 knots at times. We then had to make our way through all the traffic and anchored vessels in the Bay of Gibraltar and find space to anchor. If you are interested in how many boats we are dealing with click on this link http://marinetraffic.com/ais/ and choose Gibraltar, GI as the port. We finally dropped the anchor at 5.15am and then put the clocks forward 2 hrs. We will now be in GMT +2 time zone for the rest of the journey.

We are now fueled up and waiting to see how Paz gets on with her ankle at the Doctor. Jordi and Richard are getting some fresh supplies from the supermarket and when everyone is back onboard we will continue our journey to Palma which is another 450 miles.

JC