Z 13

We left the small port of Issambres on mainland France to head off for Corsica. It was 183km, and we initially estimated it would take between 18 and 20 hours to make the crossing. The sailing was fantastic and we sailed all the way there, averaging 15kph, arriving at 1.30am in Calvi on Friday morning. It was a wonderful experience sailing at night (as opposed to motoring), as it was so quiet and relaxing. Without the light pollution, the sky was a sight to behold! I'm not one for star gazing, but this took my breath away. The number of stars and constellations was staggering.

Calvi is lovely. As we came towards the island we could see the old Citadel lit up. The next day we climbed it and the attached picture is the view of the marina.

We met a fellow English sailor when we entered the marina, who had quite a story to tell of his experience of crossing from France. He has a 25 foot, small wooden sailing boat, and had found himself caught in a force 6 to 7, surrounded by a huge sea swell. The force of the water had destroyed his auto pilot and so he was having to hand steer as well as bail out at the same time! His boat was taking on water and he wasn't able to steer a course into Calvi. He quickly realised it was time to call for help on channel 16. The French authorities came to his rescue (after telling him how expensive it would be!) and brought him and the boat into Calvi. What an scary adventure!