Stormy sail from Sardinia
02 September 2015
After enjoying a few days at Malfatona anchorage at the southern end of Sardinia, we set off before dawn bound for Menorca 245 nm away. It would be an overnight sail with the plan to get to Mahon on the east coast of Menorca late the following day.
As day broke we could see thunderstorms and lightening in the distance but thankfully it all passed around us and we only got some rain. Throughout the morning the wind came and went as did our sails. By mid afternoon we were back to motoring, and no wind. Up ahead storm clouds were brewing and we eventually passed under this very dark, rolling cloud that looked quite ominous. Within minutes the wind had picked up to over 30 knots and the seas were starting to build. Fortunately we had no sails to contend with and just motored into it. It wasn't long before we were looking out at 3-4 metre waves coming to us over the beam!! Certainly not Di's favourite sort of sailing. Within a few hours the wind died down but the sea state remained due to the strong winds north of us. Eventually we were able to carry our headsail and motor which steadied the motion of the boat. Throughout the night there were dark clouds all around us and in the early hours of the morning we were treated to a rather amazing electrical storm with forks of lightening shooting down to the water. We packed all our electronic gear into our metal case and Bern suggested we prepare to abandon the boat in the eventuality that we were struck by lightening. So we set out our wet weather gear and got the Grab bag ready. To our immense relief it passed around us and we were certainly happy to welcome daybreak. Throughout the next day we climbed huge waves up and over up and over with a few washing breaking over the decks just to add to the fun of it all. By late afternoon with about 15 nm to go we sighted land. We were lucky enough to find a very protected anchorage just inside the entrance to Mahon. The anchor was dropped, sails packed away before the cork was popped on a very welcome bottle of Italian Prosecco to toast our arrival in a new country.