Mahon to Cuitadella

Wednesday May 20th it's 25 kts through the harbour but we survived a noisy night. We tighten the lines and head of to town for coffee and a stroll.
At 12.00 we cast off and are soon doing 9.5 kts under just a tiny reefed genny in 25kts with Corey at the helm. White caps everywhere but we are confident that passage weather is predicting wins to drop on the west of the island and we will be in the lee of the south coast when we round the corner. Blue sky and 7 kts we reach along on a small headsail. Spindrift and white caps but thankfully no big waves. We hug the coast for 5 hours then just as the wind drops to a pleasant 15 kts we head north under engine to Cuitadella.
Forecast better for tomorrow and ok for the following crossing to Barcelona. Mahon continues to be battered by the Tramantana gale just 35 miles away.
Good call today although didn't see another boat sailing.

Mahon to Cala en Porter and back

Tuesday May 19th. The new crew wander into Mahon town and revitualise the boat followed  by coffee over looking the harbour.
The wind is 15-20 kts NE today but gale force tonight so we plan to return to a safe harbour tonight. It's Gray and Corey's first time on a yacht so we reach along the south coast with a couple of reefs in 20kts to Cala en Porter where we attempt to anchor for lunch a few meters of the beautiful white sandy beach. Unfortunately there is no shelter and the breeze keeps dragging the anchor so we take a slow cruise back to Mahon under the cliffs.
We go stern too on the town quay again this time our neighbours are a 100ft J class with 43m mast  (6 spreaders) here for the regatta next week. The delivery crew include a pregnant girl and 12 year old plus a few salty yachties.
Forecast overnight gales maybe dropping slightly lunchtime tomorrow.
The crew make the most of a late start and compare and contrast playlists with the help of various alcoholic beverages.

Mahon and the new team

Monday 18th May. Great sail into Mahon the harbour lined with evidence of the Spanish civil war and more historic military history. One of the deepest harbours in the world and 5 miles long we take a lazy line between 2 sunseekers for €23 euros!
We meet up with Paul and Jane for tapas and beer then say farewell to Colin Daren and Terry shortly followed by arrival of Dom Corey and Gray. The new crew are keen to celebrate a safe landing with Ryanair so several beers later we welcome them aboard.
Forecast breezy tomorrow!

Majorca to Menorca Blast

Sunday May 17 - Forecast 20kts northerly decreasing late pm. 40 mile hop N/E to Menorca. Perfect windward beat? Beautiful blue all day. Depart 11 am wind on the nose (obviously) builds to 30kts and 2-3m swell. Many breakfasts re-visited. Finally made a safe anchorage in Cala Galdana at 6pm showered and relax (or sleep for those with more sensitive stomachs)  Mahon tomorrow and last day for some.

Kev Does His Laundry

Creative knickers!

Storm bound in Porto Christo

Saturday 16th May - Two great coastal walks today care of Fasey Scary Tours. We skirted sheer cliff edges, extreme Spanish jungle and discovered hidden bays, cormorant ledges and lots of jeopardy.  And Colin descovered the elusive common spotted orchid. But there was always a sandy beach bar at the end. The gale roared above our heads but the blue sky and sunshine gave a false security until you looked  out to sea at the white water.
Maybe tomorrow.
We settled for a steak dinner and prepared for an early departure to get to Menorca in time to meet the plane.

Porto Petro to Porto Christo

Friday May 15th - After our adventure walking the coast with Fasey Fasey Stay Cheery Tours we have ice cream and say farewell to Russ who has cut short his trip to get back for an interview, apparently to do with something called "work".
Probably our best sail so far (sorry Russ) 16-18 kts broad reach parallel to the coast. We soon cover the 18 mile hop to Porto Christo and entered the winding habour entrance. This time there is a spot on the town quay. €23 compared to €85 on a club Nautico pontoon and much nearer the action. All fairly quiet the season not properly underway. We explore the town and river, cheap supermarket and inexpensive restaurants along the harbour wall.
The forecast is for gales in Menorca tomorrow so this is a nice place for a lay day.