Vessel Name: | Mirabella |
Vessel Make/Model: | Hallberg-Rassy 400 |
Hailing Port: | Suffolk Yacht Harbour, UK |
Crew: | Simon, Fiona and Daisy the dog! |
About: | Simon and Fiona had Mirabella built in Sweden and launched in the South of France in 2025 where they continue their exploration of the Mediterranean. Prior to then, they sailed Brindabella, a Najad 405 also built in Sweden which they sailed for 16 years. |
On the Friday, we left Santa Margherita in very warm, calm conditions and no swell. The sea was flat and the wind very light. Once we were out in the Ligurian sea, it was the perfect opportunity to try out the Code Zero sail. This is a very lightweight sail that can be used in light winds instead of [...]
After stocking up with provisions and filling with water, we made the short journey across the bay to Santa Margherita Ligure. It was a hot day and the water was extremely calm. We spotted three small dolphins close to the boat.
The forecast stated that there would be swell and wind for Wednesday night to Thursday. We could move on during Wednesday or stay put until Friday. We decided to head back in the direction of Genoa. We sailed to the port of Viareggio, which was our first visit to this town.
It was calm and sunny for our trip to Marina di Pisa. We had the sails out for half of the journey, then motor sailed into the marina. The temperature seems to have gone up a notch since entering Tuscany. The marina is sheltered from the wind. We went into the town and walked along the beach. There were [...]
At lunchtime, after buying some cockles for Pasta Vongole, we left La Spezia and returned to anchor at Le Grazie. There was little wind, some sunshine and miraculously no swell. We anchored and had a peaceful afternoon and evening. Ashore near the little church, there was a Good Friday church service [...]
The forecast showed that the weather was worsening and we were going to get some heavy rainfall for the next few days. Therefore, on Sunday, we travelled the short distance to the marina in the city of La Spezia. We would have more to do in the city and could dodge the rain showers as necessary. We arrived [...]
We had breakfast ashore at Santa Margherita and picked up some fruit and bought a squeaky soft chicken toy for Daisy! It was another calm day, with sunshine and we motored to Le Grazie. We have been here several times before and knew a good spot to drop the anchor. The first night we went ashore for [...]
In the morning we called into Delta to collect our life raft which had been sent on to us from Sweden. After getting a bit of shopping, we were out on the water again, heading for Santa Margherita. It was a beautiful day, calm and sunny. We saw a large trawler which had seagulls following it and following [...]