15th Aug; Mallorca to Menorca !
Our alarm was set for 7am again(!) and the anchor was lifted out at 8.30. No wind equals no sail, but we did have a calm sea. Rob and I were again on half hour helm shifts. During Robs shift, I spotted a turtle! How exciting and wonderful! Lobster pot bouys are out, so now we play the “is it a bird or a bouy?” game! We also had a very quick visit by 2 dolphins, which was lovely and it proves that they are still here at least!
It is very clammy and very humid, with mists in the distance. Our ETA is 3.30 and we are ever so slightly worried that we STILL can’t see land at 12pm! Gulp! We should have been able to see Menorca from Mallorca really! I have just spotted another lobster pot bouy – but in a depth of 95mtrs !!! Really?
Finally, land ahoy at 1pm – thank goodness for that! We arrived and dropped anchor at 2.30pm. Another 6 hour journey completed. We all went swimming and Rob saw that our anchor had set itself in the posidonia! How? We were so careful! Jack swam down (6 metres!) and walked with it from the Posidonia to the sand, approx 2 mtrs. Rob climbed back on deck and so Jack and I actually watched our anchor “bed in” from the sea. It just goes to show that we have a fab anchor and that Jack is an excellent diver/swimmer!
Strong winds are due from 9am tomorrow (35kn) so we are staying here now until Wed (18th). We finally toasted our arrival in Menorca over dinner. We are on island number 3!
16th & 17th Aug; Platja de Son Saura, Menorca
16th & 17th Aug; Platja de Son Saura (Menorca)
After two late nights, two very early starts, plus wine last night, it was gone 10am when we woke up this morning hahaha! The winds started to pick up after breakfast (which reached 20kn) but then had eased off by early afternoon. A few boats arrived but they didn’t anchor near us because of the posidonia on one side of us and a shouty man the other. He wouldn’t let anyone anchor near him. It would be nice to explore the beach here but we can’t, as its not safe to leave Hoopla. So we swam around her instead – life’s not so bad. Late afternoon, the forecasted winds started to pick up again and they were at 20kn by early evening. Rob put out more chain as some boats have left and we have a bit more room. The temp dropped to 28° and, brrr, it’s chilly! Hahaha. Rob stayed up till early hours and the strong winds peaked at 27kn, which wasn’t as bad as expected. Rob has two anchor alarms set up too. No boats dragged this time and our anchor held us well once more.
It was still very windy (20kn) the next morning and it’s not set to ease up until this afternoon at the earliest. We have very patchy wifi. I can WhatsApp and use messenger – but no FB! I can’t view or comment on links, I can only “like/love” them…. sigh…
Rob started to work on Tilly. He’s removed all the course computer and replaced a wire/cable to the motor. He’s not sure if it will work, but we will find out tomorrow! Fingers crossed!
18th Aug; Platja de Son Saura to Cala Santandria, Menorca
We wanted to be leaving at 9am but as we got up then instead, that didn’t happen hahaha. We lifted up our anchor up at 11.30 and motored out to meet a nice calm sea – and Rob tested out Tilly. After one or two false starts, she picked up the helm! Yay! Well done Tilly and Rob
We had a wonderful motor along the coast and arrived at our next anchorage at around 1.30pm. We can get used to these 2 hour journeys. We arrived at Cala Santandria and there was room for us. We think we took the last space as the catamaran behind us anchored out!
For the first time, we had to put a line to shore! Gulp! But it all went like clockwork! I was really surprised hahhaa! It did need all 3 of us though.
The sea here is gorgeous! So, so clear and I am looking forward to snorkeling in the caves behind us after lunch. Jack rowed Rob ashore so he could go shopping and he also picked him up afterwards (no dinghies are allowed to be left on the beach). I stayed onboard, just in case. All was OK – I just had to go swimming after our fender broke free from our shore-line (twice!).
A swell kicked in at around 8pm and so we packed up Hoopla good and proper, before turning in. Goodnight all!
19th Aug; Cala Santandria to Cala Morell, Menorca
The swells had died down by 2am, so it was nice for our breakfast at 9.30am. Rob & I prepared Hoopla for our onward travel and then all 3 of us worked together to release Hoopla from the shore, and we motored out at 11am. Again, it all went like clockwork! We found a flat, calm sea so it is another motor! Hmmm. We had a wonderful journey following the coast. We saw lots of caves and magical inlets before arriving at our next anchorage at 1.30. We all swam in the sea as soon as the anchor was dropped and we explored a small cave. Rob & Jack actually swam with a diving bird (possibly a cormorant) they watched it as it dived and hunted for fish! Amazing! I did see a jellyfish which worried me for a bit! Thankfully that was after our snorkel in the caves.
We moved Hoopla a little nearer to shore when a few boats left the bay and then Rob and I went ashore for our constitutional – but the two cafes here were closed! Beers onboard it is then hahha!
20th Cala Morell to Cala Pregonda, Menorca
A very good night was had by all because Cala Morell is such a peaceful anchorage. Breakfast was at 9.30 and the anchor was out at 10.30. We decided to stop overnight at Cala Pregonda because of it’s rave reviews on Navily. We had a nice, slow (4kn) motor along the fabulous coastline and we arrived at the very well reviewed bay at 12.30. We found that this is a Very Busy Anchorage(!) with lots of day boats and a handful of yachts. But, we can see why it had such good feedback! It’s so, so pretty – a snorkeling paradise! A big motorboat (with its own crew!) dropped its anchor so close to us that they could have made (and passed) us a pina colada each. But although we often drifted quite close to each other, all was OK. Mr Shouty Man from a few anchorages ago would’ve had a heart attack here!
Rob and Jack went snorkeling and beside Hoopla, they saw a ray, approx half a metre round! Wow! Such an amazing place. Shame they didn’t have the go-pro huh?
Later, there were two drones flying overhead which led to Rob and Jack taking Robs to the shore to play! Lots of laughter later and we get lots of shots of bushes and stones!! They (or Rob) did improve and then bravely sent it out over the sea – but more practice is needed before it gets launched from Hoopla.
21st Cala Pregonda to Cala Tirant, Menorca
Wow what a still night! We could’ve been on land, it was so still! We lifted our anchor up at 11am. Today, it’s only an hours’ journey, but the wind is strong enough to sail! Yay! but in the wrong direction! Boo! But we can tack, so that’s what we did. Yay! We dusted down the sails and finally we were sailing! 4/5kn! Happy Days! Happy Rob!
We saw two really large flocks of seagulls drifting their way towards us. We thought that there must be a reason but no, no whales or dolphins.
We stopped for a few hours in a bay and had a delicious lunch. The anchor was lifted again and we sailed directly into our anchorage. We dropped the anchor at 6pm in an empty bay, with just one other motor boat and a yacht. From Hoopla, we can see a supermarket and water park!
Rob & I went ashore and we enjoyed our beer and sangria – normal service has been resumed. We plan to stay here until Pete arrives on the 24th. Another yacht has joined us but has anchored quite far out.
22nd Aug; Cala Tirant (now known to us as Pyrex Bay) to Ses Salines, Menorca
We woke up to complete calm and silence. It’s so peaceful here. Our gas ran out before breakfast,which meant that Rob had to replace a bottle – and we’ve also ran out of water! Haha! Luckily, we have the water containers on deck, so we can top up. Well done Rob! We popped ashore for our constitutional at 6.30pm before our tea.
Rob made us a gorgeous cottage pie but the Pyrex dish needed a good soak overnight. Rob suggested dropping it carefully over the side for the fishes, and him and Jack to dive and retreive it back in the morning…. sounds like fun! What could possibly go wrong?
3.30am, I woke to see Rob quickly donning his shorts before running on deck! I followed and we both watched the yacht (the one that was anchored far out) heading straight for us! It had dragged its anchor! Fenders at the ready, Rob shouted and shouted to them and the crew eventually ran out on deck. After a few stressful moments, they pulled up their anchor and motored out of the bay. The winds and the sea started to get worse and worse – but our anchor held up a treat. When dawn arrived (we waited for daylight), we motored of the anchorage, heading for the harbour, half an hour away. It was a looong half hour, though, and Jack joined us in the cockpit – after being woken up by being thrown around his bunk hahhaha! We were crashing and surfing the 3 meter waves! It was a tad scary. As we entered the harbour, we could literally see a line in the sea from where it was calm! We laughed and laughed about our Pyrex dish and we hope to return for it after our stay in the marina The bay is now to be known as Pyrex Bay from this day forward!
23rd Aug; Ses Salines, Menorca
Rob had work to do this morning, so I started getting Hoopla straight again, after the carnage from the early hours. At around 6pm, the three of us took the dinghy to the shore to have a look at the marina that we are booked into for tomorrow. It looks… interesting….. a quick drink and a visit to the (expensive) supermarket later, we headed back to Hoopla, for a calm and lovely evening.
Again, at 3.30am, Rob & I woke to strong winds howling around Hoopla! Really?! On deck, all looked OK, as in, no-one appeared to be dragging. Rob secured the dinghy with an extra line and then returned to bed.
24th Aug; Ses Salines to Fornells Marina, Menorca
We woke up at 9.30 – which wasn’t bad considering the disturbed night. The marina rang Rob at 10ish and we confirmed our booking. We are both a little nervous as it is a small marina and we need to go in stern-to AND also move dinghy to the bows, before mooring up! So much can go wrong! Wish us luck
It’s now 2.30 and we are moored up! Phew!
At the harbour entrance, Rob stopped the engine and Jack boarded the dinghy from Hoopla and rowed it to shore, while Rob & I took Hoopla in. We went in stern first and a marinaro helped us moor up and passed us the slime lines. I don’t know what we were worried about, it all went like clockwork again! We’re getting good at this. Rob and Jack have just left to go and get the dinghy.
At 4.30, we walked into town for lunch but soon found out that no one serving until 6.30pm! But then Pete arrived at 5.30pm. We were very pleased to see him and we caught up over a beer and sandwich.
The CI Bears were also very pleased to see him (or his supplies….)
25th & 26th Aug; Fornells Marina, Menorca
A very still night last night and everyone slept so soundly! After breakfast, Rob did a few hours of work then Rob, Pete & I walked into town for some lunch. Jack stayed on board with his left over pizza! Rob returned to Hoopla to continue his work while Pete & I explored the town a little more. This is such a pretty place with its white houses and red roofs. We explored the remains of a 14th century castle and looked around a small but stunning church. Later, we had another very nice meal in town before turning in for the night.
The following morning, our alarm was set for 8am for breakfast at 8.30am. Rob and Pete caught the 10am bus to go to Mahon, for food supplies. We only have small supermarkets here – and they know how to charge! So that left Jack and I. After a bit of a tidy up, we popped to the shops to buy him some shorts. But unfortunately we came back empty handed. There are lots to choose from for girls, not so much for teenage boys. Hopefully we will be able to get some soon.
Oh, I saw a pipefish this morning! made me smile.
Rob & Pete returned with the shopping at 6.30 and it was showers all round before a lovely supper, prepared by Rob
Another very good night was had by all. We made route plans for tomorrow, including Pyrex bay hahhahaha!
27th Aug; Fornells Marina to Punta des Macs, via Pyrex Bay, Menorca
Well, we were all up and having breakfast at 8.30am, as we hope to be leaving here at 11am.
We did gooood as at 10.30am, we left the marina! It’s great having an extra pair of hands on deck! Our first stop was Pyrex Bay! All the male Agers jumped into the sea and started snorkeling around, looking for our dish. After 10/15 minutes, ROB FOUND OUR PYREX! WHOOP WHOOP! And it was sparkling clean and OK to go straight in the cupboard (joke!!).
Pete couldn’t believe how clear and warm the water is! A tad different to Scotland! They all got back on board and at 11.30, we waved goodbye to Pyrex Bay.
We had an hour or so of a sail but then we had to motor. I had a nice chat with Matt while en-route. It was great to catch up and to hear his voice.
By 3pm, we had arrived at Punta des Macs. This was quickly followed by lots of swimming, incl the scrubbing of Hoopla’s bottom. At 6pm, we took the dinghy to shore for a small beer.
We had a lovely evening before turning in, at around midnight. G’night all Zzz
28th Aug; Punta des Macs to Mahon, Menorca
It was a good night sleep for us all, but we had forgotten to take down the windshoot. Poor Pete had to resort to using a fleece blanket. Breakfast was at 9am and we had the anchor up at 10am – before meeting a nasty sea with a swell of 1.5/2 metre waves. Yuck! It gave us a very interesting passage – and a good work out when on helm duty hahaha!
We arrived at the HUGE natural harbour and we dropped the anchor at 11.30am.
Another Mr Shouty Man on a motor boat said we were too close. We were a good enough distance, but he said he had 50m of chain out. Robs response was “in 10m of water? Really?” But we saw a better spot further up so we moved, which we would have done anyway. It was a little cloudy, fairly windy (13kn), but warm at 26°
It looks like a sailing race has just started as the harbour was suddenly full of lots of stunning, old school, sailing vessels. We popped ashore at around 5pm in the dinghy, but we had to keep out of the way as the first few yachts had returned and crossed the finish line. It was a fair old motor to the dinghy park, but we had a nice walk along the quayside and then we took the steps up to the town. Very nice too! Back on board at around 7pm for a very good evening.
29th and 30th Aug; Mahon, Menorca
Wow! What a wonderful anchorage this is! Mahon is a beautiful, massive, natural harbour. The largest in the Med apparently. There are lots of traditional sailing vessels out this morning, it is currently like a Spanish version of Cowes Week hahaha! We took the dinghy to shore at 1pm for a fantastic lunch. I was even brave enough to take the glass lift to top! (gulp). We had a great time exploring around the town, even if most of the shops were shut, it being a Sunday (as they should be).
The following morning, we took the dinghy to shore again – it took Rob two trips as we are now a crew of 4. We arrived just in time for the 12.15 train. All aboard! We had a great tour of the city at €7 each. A good lunch followed after (finally) buying some shorts for Jack. Yay! I am so pleased we decided to have a few days here. It is such a lovely town!
When we started to make our way back to Hoopla, Rob realised that the red curly lead (the engine kill cord) was lost! We can’t use the dinghy engine without it! funnily enough, I’d seen one earlier that morning in the chandlery, for €8! As it was currently closed for the siesta, we all returned to Hoopla. Rob managed to cleverly bypass the cord and get the engine running. Thank goodness for that, as it would have been a VERY long row otherwise! We three popped back later and Rob agreed, it was a good chandlery and the cord was still available. Yay! It worked a treat. Phew!
31st Aug; Mahon to Son Bou, Menorca
We were up and having breakfast by 9.15 and what a nice, sunny day it is at last! It has been quite cloudy the last few days. Rob and Pete prepared above decks for todays sail, while Jack and I (well, I!) prepared below decks. We are a little sad to be leaving, as Mahon is a fantastic anchorage.
We needed fuel, so our first stop was the fuel berth. We moored alongside at 11.30 and the marinaros filled her up (plus our Jerry cans). We left the fuel barge with a receipt for €275! Ouch!
Again, we had a nice, smooth journey along the coast. We approached our chosen anchorage, but it was too full. The second was a bit tight and had jellyfish but, we were 3rd time lucky, and dropped the anchor at 3.30pm. We all could not believe the stunning and turquoise sea and we all got in as quick as possible. But then Rob said he saw some jellyfish! On our way to the ladder, Jack got stung! Immediately back onboard, we soaked the sting in vinegar, then Savlon, followed by an ice pack. These quickly took the sting out but it was very painful for a an hour or so for him. The blister on his calf was the size of a ten pence piece, bless him! Ouch.
Rob, Pete and I took the dinghy ashore for our last constitutional on Menorca, early evening. We had a very entertaining time, launching the dinghy from the beach. It was a tad of a steep bank and we all got wet getting in. We laughed as we got a round of applause from the sunbathers on the beach hahaha!
1st Sept; Son Bou, Menorca to Radjada Marina, Mallorca
We were all up and about early and quite excited about our return trip to Mallorca. We are just about to lift out our anchor and it’s only 9.30! Fingers and toes crossed for a nice crossing.
Unfortunately, we entered an unexpected swell with the wind behind us. Not a good combination for Hoopla. The sails made an appearance before the winds died and we had to switch the engine on and, later, thunder clouds started to form above us. It tried to rain but, thankfully, it didn’t quite make it. We had a constant 2m swell, with 3mtrs every now and then. Not nice. We finally bashed our way into the marina but we had to go bows-to, as it was too rough to move dinghy first. We were all moored up by 4pm – but there is quite a surge here.
We couldn’t face cooking after our six and a half hour’s journey and this surge, so pizza and a beer called us from the shore! Rob sorted out our passerelle (gangplank) and we found a really friendly Italian restaurant close by. We could see Hoopla from our table and we saw when our passerelle fell off the quay! Luckily, Rob had secured it with an extra line. Jack ran back and he put it back on Hoopla. Good lad! Not such a brilliant start to our return to Mallorca and I don’t hold out much hope for a good night’s sleep tonight!