We waited 3 days in Carloforte for the right wind to cross to the Balaerics. Allowing roughly 40 + hours for the passage, and wishing to arrive in daylight, meant departure at 1800.

Everything was looking good until we rounded the island of San Pietro, the wind suddenly dropped, and we had to start the motor - not again! Fortunately, this was only temporary and after a couple of hours we were sailing again. From then on, everything went really well.

We had two nights and one day on the crossing and the wind dead astern the whole way. For approx. 80% of the time we were gull-winging the sails (one out either side), which means constantly fine tuning the heading. A couple of times we had to gybe to get back on our course line, but not for too long.

We had less wind at nights, roughly 10 knots, but during the day it was 15 - 20 knots with about 2 - 3 metres of following seas. We did not use the motor again until we arrived at Mahon, our destination in Menorca. (See next blog for Mahon.) The only casualties from reefing the sails was my cut hand and a torn lazy bag - again! The lazy bag is starting to look like a patchwork quilt from all the repairs.

By the time we arrived at Mahon, we were both very tired indeed. We only get short cat-naps in our clothes outside, when off watch duty, and on duty whilst it can be boring, it requires constant attention to the course, sail settings, weather, watch for other shipping etc. (We obviously do a better job of watch-keeping than the US Navy!) A feeling of achievement though.

The passage was 205 NM, average speed 5.2 knots, total time including breaking anchor in Carloforte and re-anchoring in Mahon, 42 hours.

First thing I wanted to do was shower, brush my teeth and sleep! Best wishes to all.