26th July; Corsica to Sardinia:
Our alarm was set for 5.25am(!) and we both rolled out of bed. Rob prepared the decks while I prepared the galley, while Jack slept on hahha! Rob lifted up our anchor at 6.10, and we gently motored out of the anchorage. As soon as we went around the headland, Rob released the sails – and we sailed all the way from the headland right up to our next stop! I helmed all the way – facing 20-24 knt head winds, plus a considerable sea swell too! It was a full body workout for me – and I was knackered by the time we arrived at the fuel berth at 9am! €360 later (gulp) but at least the water was free, when we came to fill up our water tanks hahha! Fynbos was waiting for us at the entrance, as we left the fuel berth. We were supposed to go left upon leaving the marina, but neither of us vessels really fancied going direct into that wind, and fighting that swell again, so both of us turned right instead. Sadly, Dranack went to our original destination, as they were out of signal and received our WhatsApp messages too late 🙁
We arrived in the bay, and set anchor at 10.45am in Marmorata, Sardinia. Its still quite windy, at 17knts, but our anchor is holding good! Jack and Emilio went swimming and are now jumping off the nearby high rocks. Gulp!
Rob is currently over on Fynbos, lending a hand (and some tools) as Fynbos had an engine problem when entering the bay. Dranack has just WhatsApped the group, saying that they are on their way over, to help Fynbos too. They arrived here at around 5pm and Clara joined Jack and Emilio on Hoopla. The engine problem has been solved, and it was soon decided to have our Sundowners at 7pm, on the beach. A wonderful end to a perfect day! How lovely!
27th & 28th July; Marmorata, Sardinia:
**** 27th July – Robert’s 60th! ****
Rob had a nice cup of tea in bed, while I cleared away the galley from the night before. We then opened up the Bellini (Jack included) while Rob opened his cards and gifts. What a lucky Birthday Boy he is! A special breakfast of toasted bread, a selection of hams, olives, and sun dried tomatoes were put on the table! Delish and very filling. It was all washed down with the rest of the Bellini! What a lovely morning 🙂
It’s cooler today (hurrah!) so I completed some much needed boat jobs that were overdue, while Rob went for a swim around the island in the bay, and he said it was magical. Later, I saw Jack and Emilio jumping into the sea from the rocks. Blimey! They are indeed high! Yesterday, we three crews had all agreed to find a pizza restaurant for tonight’s dinner – but first it was Birthday Champagne aboard Dranack at 6pm, where the crew very kindly gave Rob a pair of Hoopla and Dranack champagne glasses! We are now back to a full set! How kind and generous of them! We all then made our way to the beach to try and find a restaurant. The first one said that they close their kitchens at 4pm, the 2nd couldn’t cater for gluten free, BUT 3rd time lucky? Yes indeed! hahha! We found a perfect place with a fantastic view of the anchorage! We had a very pleasant evening and Rob had a wonderful 60th birthday! One to remember!
We woke up to a slightly different breakfast than yesterday It’s still quite windy though, but should be easing off today hopefully. We are returning to Corsica tomorrow and we don’t fancy that journey in this wind! I popped to the supermarket at midday but I couldn’t get what I wanted. I did manage to buy milk, snacks and tonight’s meal though. Hopefully there is a bigger supermarket in our next place; Figari, Corsica
I went for a swim after lunch, to the big rocks and the beach. The sea is so warm and it’s just beautiful I saw so many little fishes, including what looked like neon tetras! The Saddled Seabream under Hoopla came over to see what I was up to! We had sundowners on the beach again, at 6pm. Hoopla was the teenagers boat hahha. This is our last one as a group as tomorrow, Dranack is following the coast of Sardinia to the Balearics (and then mainland Spain), while Hoopla and Fynbos return to Corsica for a week. We will then both return to Sardinia, following the east coast together, until Fynbos leaves for Tunisia. So plenty of goodwill toasts were had on the beach. Back on board Hoopla, and we invited the teens to dinner. A lovely meal was prepared by Rob and we had a good time. But when the Capt of Fynbos came to collect two of the three teens, he told us that there has been a change of plan, and they are now not crossing to Corsica with us tomorrow! They now plan to leave with Dranack in the morning instead! It wasn’t expected and so there was suddenly a flurry of unexpected goodbyes all round. We expected another couple of weeks at least with Fynbos. It was a shock to hear their change of plan, and REALLY such a disappointing end to what was such a great day
29th July; Sardinia back to Corsica:
I set our alarm for 8am last night, and now we’re up and about, but we’re not really in the mood for the preparations for the onward sail, as we are still quite sad from yesterday. But, the chores won’t do themselves and so, by 10.15, we all had had our breakfast and Hoopla was good to go! Fynbos and Dranack had already left the bay at around 7.30am, before we were even up 🙁
Rob added some “dollop” to our fuel (to help prevent Diesel Bug) and then he started to prepare the anchor. We saw the Posidonia guard in his rib, checking the nearby yachts and motor boats, but we were not worried, as we were clearly in the sand. He came over to us and he could see that we were ready to leave, so he wished us a good journey. He was a nice chap. Rob continued with the anchor and it was lifted out at 10.45. We were met with a much calmer sea than our last crossing! Rob swapped over our flags at about the half way mark, which was when we arrived in the bay. We had a look at all three anchorages here, with the last one being just outside the marina. A marinero came out to meet us in a rib, and we said that we were just looking at the anchorage. Rob asked how much per night it would be for us would be anyway, and we were quoted €63. At least we know. We decided to go back to the first anchorage (always the way hahha) as it looks like a great snorkeling area, it had huge boulders to climb and a tower to walk to. These should keep both Rob and Jack busy while I’m in the UK. But we had to go on to the second choice in the end, as the first looked like it had lots of rocks and not sand, as described. Shame. So, we set our anchor at Caldarello Ribellino, at 3pm. We were so pleased we had because, soon after, it got quite windy!
30th July: Caldarello Ribellino to Figari Marina, Corsica:
** JACK SAVES HOOPLA FROM THE ROCKS !! **
First, though, Rob jumped out of bed and into the dingy at around 8am this morning, because he saw a yacht drag its anchor! The crew of said yacht was fast asleep! WOW!! I slept through it all hahha! Well done Rob! We are underneath a flight path here, and it reminds us a little of home 🙂 Later, Rob and I took the dinghy to the shore to confirm our route for tomorrow. I need to be at the airport for 9.30am, and it’s a two hour walk(!) We saw a cormorant on some rocks, drying out his wings. Fantastic. We then walked to the local Spar. It was all up hill and damn hard work in this heat! Rob was shocked at the store prices hahha! We had just left the supermarket when Jack called to say that a very strong wind had blown up and that Hoopla is dragging her anchor – and heading for some rocks!!! Wwhhaattt?? Rob told him to start up the engine and do the best he could and he will get there ASAP! He left the shopping bags with me and started running towards the marina! I saw a car pull up which gave him a lift! That was such a relief! This saved Rob at least 45 minutes! When Rob arrived at the marina, he jumped into the dinghy and raced to Hoopla! Jack. Was. Amazing! He had managed to keep Hoopla away from the rocks – EVEN with the anchor down and 40 meters of chain out!! WHAT A STAR!! Between the two of them, they lifted up the anchor and the chain, and made their way to the marina. Meanwhile, I carried the 4 bags of shopping, plus a rucksack, back to the marina. It was hot, sweaty work! But at least most of the way was downhill. I eventually arrived at the marina, found some shade, and waited for Rob. I couldn’t see Hoopla, but I didn’t see any yacht in obvious trouble either! So I hoped that all was OK. After a while, I made my way to the end of the pontoon where I was expecting to meet Rob, and, putting the shopping in some shade, I soaked my poor feet in the sea! A little while later, whilst walking up and down the pontoon and looking out for our dinghy, I saw a boat that looks a lot like Hoopla heading towards the marina! It WAS Hoopla! This was a tad unexpected! I followed the marineros who had arrived to help Hoopla moor up. After they had secured her, I was passed a very welcome bottle of nice, cold water! After the marineros left, I climbed aboard and finally sat down somewhere comfy! My muscles ache and I hope that they are OK for the long walk to the airport tomorrow! Rob & I had a most deserved cuppa as we praised Jack – he had saved Hoopla from the rocks! He was brilliant! He was very pleased with himself and quite rightly so too! He had saved our home! Rob & I then went to check in at the marina office and pay. It ended up being €52 per night. So not €63! Back on board, Rob put away the shopping, while I packed and checked in with Easyjet online. He then prepared a very tasty chicken tortilla dinner. I’m too tired for a shower now, so I will have one in morning. We need to be leaving at 7.30am, and so I set my alarm for 6am. Ouch! Not one of us will need any rocking tonight! Again, very well done Jack!
31st July; UK & Figari Marina, Corsica:
We all slept very well and so we didn’t mind the 6am alarm. Well, not much anyway hahaha! While I was in the shower, Rob lowered the dinghy from the davits to the water and managed to also lower in the bike too. We are in a marina, but the path we need to take is from the next beach along, so this is why we need the dinghy. We left Hoopla on time at 7.30am, and started The Walk to the airport. I have to be there for 10.30am but I wanted to be there at 9.30 (so we had an extra hour if we got lost or slowed down hahhaha). Rob brought the bike for his return journey (and it is carrying my rucksack). We kept in the shade as much as possible, but there isn’t much of it! Even though it is early, it’s really quite warm! We didn’t bring any sun-cream OR water! We had some stunning views along the way. We arrived when Google said we would, at 9.30am, so we’ve plenty of time for a coffee huh! It is a tiny airport, the size of a hanger – which includes the cafe and kiosk style shops. Rob and I had a much needed coke and a cake! He left soon after and I had a wander around the shops and then another drink. I wasn’t allowed to go through security until 11.15, but the time passed quite quickly. Oh. My. Life! I had just got through passport control (where I had my passport stamped) when I realised that I had left my (very posh) headphones in the scan tray!!!! At the next check in desk, I told the lady, and she said that I could just go back!?! Wow! That was a surprise. So I walked back past passport control, straight into the x-ray area and spoke to the guards – and they had my headphones! Yay!!! So I made my way back and now I’m waiting to board! I’m so, so, so pleased I asked! Onboard the plane and I have a window seat!! I did try to sleep but I couldn’t, but I did get some rest. It was a good flight. I made my way to the train station and I was going to buy a ticket when I saw that I could just “tap in”, so I did. Unfortunately, the train to Clapham was delayed by half hour because of a trespasser on the track. I missed my train to Ashford because I was watching a certain women’s football match on my phone hahaha. I caught the next train and remembered, just in time, that I had to get off at Feltham instead, as I can’t tap out at Ashford. Tina very kindly met me at the station at 6pm. Yay! It’s beyond fabulous to see my bestie Matt came over at 9.30pm too, which made my day! It was so lovely to see him 🙂 I turned in at around midnight but (would you believe) I can’t find my headphones! I really hope that they are in Tina’s car!
Rob, meanwhile, had a 30/45 mins cycle back to Hoopla! Thankfully it was mostly down hill 🙂 When back onboard, he fitted the router, which improved the WiFi. Yay! He popped to the Marina office and booked another night in the marina, as he has work to do tomorrow.
1st Aug; Figari Marina, Corsica:
Corsica: Rob worked for most of the day today and Jack took full advantage and studied his phone and/or Switch hahaha! They are missing being at anchor as its so hot! But they are leaving the marina tomorrow.
UK: Unfortunately, my headphones are not in Tina’s car OR in Ashford High Street! Damn it!
I did buy a new bikini though 😉 Matt popped in for a cuppa after work again this evening! How lovely is that! I am SO looking forward to seeing his and Lizz’s place on Friday.
Apologies for lack of photos for today.
2nd Aug; Figari Marina to Bai D’Arbbitru, Corsica:
Corsica: Rob and Jack had a relaxed breakfast before preparing Hoopla to leave. The marineros were so nice and came along to help, but Rob and Jack didn’t need them, and they slipped their lines at 1pm. They had an amazing sail, with 20knt winds and they were speeding along at 6 knots! They had a half reefed main sail with a full Genoa. Apparently it did get quite brisk hahahha!
The water there was so clear and they dropped the anchor at 2.30pm. It was quite crowded at first, but then the motor boats all left. Both chaps were straight in the water! Normal service as been resumed 🙂
We’ve heard that Dranack has arrived in Menorca! A good and uneventful passage was reported, which was so good to hear – and of their safe arrival too! Fynbos are in Sardinia, having fun and making their way down the coast.
3rd to 7th Aug; Bai D’Arbbitru, Corsica:
Corsica: The anchorage is busy with yachts and day boats but it is lovely. Rob took the dinghy out for a good sail and later, when climbing the rocks and swimming with Jack, they both saw a Flying Gunard! Apparently it “clicked” at Jack, telling him off! Hahhaha! But later, Rob slipped and cut his foot on the rocks! Ouch! So that put paid to swimming for the next few days 🙁
UK: I found my headphones! Yay! They were attached to my rucksack the whole time! Doh! Hahaha! Matt passed his bike test on the 3rd Aug! Huge congratulations! We’re all so pleased for him! I also had my first bubble tea (thanks Chloe!) I really liked it! On the 5th, Matt picked me up after work and I said my sad goodbyes to Tina – but I will be seeing her next month hahha. I was excited about seeing Matt and Lizz’s new place for the first time! And it is SO lovely! They are still settling in and so still have quite a lot of unpacking to do, but it is a lovely home! Matt made us all a tasty vegetarian spag bol. Cheers Matt! Happy Days!
The next morning, Sat 6th, Matt ran me around Hook to all the ATM’s (3 visits in total!) just so I could activate my new credit card. Lizz’s parents arrived at around 4pm and it was so lovely to see them! We had a great catch up and lovely pizzas for tea! It was their first time seeing their house too and they both also agreed how lovely it was!
Matt took me to the station that evening, for the 23.03 train to Gatwick. Lots of big hugs all around! I arrived at 11.45pm at Gatwick and soon found a place to rest for the night. I cat napped rather than slept and I was up and about at 6.30am, but I am feeling OK. I joined the massive queue for security but it all went well. I couldn’t sleep, either, on the plane – but I did rest. When I got off plane, it felt like I had walked into an oven!!!! Gas mark 7! I hurried to join the (again long) queue for the ladies and changed into shorts! Unfortunately, I had to walk from the airport to the marina as there wasn’t any busses and (I found out too late) you have to pre-order a taxi! Sigh. So I started the 2 hour walk, at around midday – again no water or sun-cream! Doh!
Rob came out and met me with the bike. How lovely was that, and he took my rucksack, which was most welcome! We left behind us loud thunder rolls and bolts of lightning in the distance. I’m very pleased to be back onboard – and so are the mosquitos!
I’m absolutely shattered and I can’t quite face the unpacking just yet. Rob made me a lovely cuppa and we decided that we will start making our way back tomorrow 🙂
8th Aug; Corsica and back to Sardinia:
Wow, I had the most fantastic nights sleep! It almost made up for the night spent on the floor at Gatwick Airport hahahah! We all woke up at around 10am and, after a quickish breakfast, Rob and I prepared Hoopla for our onward travel. Rob lifted up the anchor and Jack steered us out of the bay at around 12.30. Soon we had the sails out and Hoopla was sailing nicely 🙂 We saw more thunder and lightning behind us on Corsica, followed by a HUGE downpour! But this missed us and we were OK, thank goodness. The wind finally died away and the engine was switched on at 13.45pm. Capt Rob was very happy with todays sail!
We dropped and set our anchor at 4.15pm, back in Sardinia. Almost immediately, the boys are in the water for a swim. Not me, though, as I’ve not even unpacked my swimsuit yet! Rob and Jack saw that we had to re-position the anchor, as it is only resting and it is on the sea grass! It has now been re-set lovely in the sand. I saw 2 jellyfish(!) but the boys were OK – they even fed some fish from their hands with some bread! Unfortunately, its quite a rolly anchorage(!) and I’m pleased we’re only here for one night!
I’m happy to report that Dranack is making good progress and is in Soller, Mallorca, and Fynbos has made it to Tunisia! Well done to both crews!
