Dined in an arched street in the old town. Sampled some local vino rosso

Wednesday 13th October.
Rain and rainbows first thing. Set off for the north end of the island at midday. Sailed to the capo caccia and motor sailed along beautiful unspoilt west coast of Sardinia for four hours. Spotted a few dolphins on the way. The swell picked up and carried us into the Fornelli Passage past Isola Asinara (a 9 mile long hilly island ex penal colony but now nature reserve... which we plan to come back to visit) Could be v hairy on a rougher day.. shallowed so we could see the bottom. Suddenly we were through and the swell stopped instantly. Headed to commercial town of Port Torres....with bent green plastic pontoons that the cats didn't like... but very pleasant and chic dockmaster.

Thursday 14th October
Sailed at 8 knots across the Golfo del Asinara and through the Straits of Bonifacio towards the Archipelago of Maddalena... Lovely quick sail past rocky headlands and into a peaceful anchorage at Porto Pozzo. We are now on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) and it is stunningly beautiful.

Friday 15th October
Bit short of time to visit Garibaldi's tomb and home on the Island of Caprera. Sailed with Yankie only between the Islands in the Archie and his pelagoes. Can see why this is such popular area in the summer... Definitely to be recommended for an extended exploration. Wind blowing 25 knots but Cala de Volpe (Fox Beach) anchorage was sheltered enough... Amazing houses along the coast. We dinghied ashore to a five star deserted hotel (only open 5 months of the year) met a very friendly English lady who worked there since 1978.