Remember the southwesterly systems I mentioned in the last blog? Right, the last few were proper windy! Thankfully we are in an excellent marina but unfortunately, our berth had us rather exposed to the waves inside the marina. The marineros were very diligent and were seen checking all boats and bow lines throughout the night. …
Well, the countdown is officially on and the clocks are ticking. We are currently 4 weeks from our estimated date to begin a 3ish week sail covering 4800 km across the Atlantic Ocean. If my word choice sounds non committal with “ish” and “estimated” it’s because quite frankly, boat life does not support firm commitments …
Read more “Ocean Crossing Countdown #1: It’s Not All Stress-Free, Fun Times “
Wow, how has this week come and gone so quickly? I am currently writing this from the CDG Paris airport while waiting to board my flight home to Canada for 6 weeks of work. We have had a whirlwind fantastic week. Our Minecraft mafia crew joined us in Gulf Jean. The boys fell right into …
It took us a few weeks but, we have officially said goodbye to Elba. Somehow, we lucked out with a beautiful light downwind window that carried us the entire way from Elba to Menton, France. Thus far, this was my favorite overnight passage. With the exception of a 3-hour window of having to motor, we …
It’s been a busy and yet relaxing week on Elba again. I had the opportunity to go on a day trip with a great friend, Carolyn, and climb the tallest peak on Elba; Mt Capanne. What initially was sold as a bus ride to Marcianna and then a lovely 6.3 km roundtrip hike, of course, …
Read more “Nothing Fills Your Bucket Like Friends, Hikes, and Dolphins!”
So much for slowing down. After some delightful laid back beach days, it would seem that the itch to “do something” overtook us. First up; recovering the package in Rome. Logistically it became apparent that the best course of action was to sail to the mainland, anchor off Follonica, and put Jay ashore to hop …
We had a beautiful close haul reach to Elba in ideal conditions. With 12-15 knots of breeze and no waves, we happily cruised East to the Southwestern point of Elba. What a beautiful island! We have finally slowed down now and are enjoying multiple days in a row at a single anchorage. Our first stop …
The stuffies are relieved to be in calmer seas on arrival. After a lovely time in Ostia, we decided that the tempting weather window which would give us a broad reach for 150 nm to Corsica could not be left unattended. We are still waiting for a package from Sailrite which includes all the material …