The final stage from Menorca to Toulon was 215 nautical miles. The wind was as forecasted, astern from start to end, in the 6-8 m/s (12-15 knots). We used our "code 0" rather than the spinnaker for ease of gybing at night from one tack to the other, as required.
We had planed for a 40+ hours ride. But this was without counting on the hazards of the sea...
The Balearic Islands are worth their reputation. In October, we have been enjoying very nice and warm weather, with water around 24°C. These conditions explain why there are still so many sailors around here, from all over Europe: Dutch, German, Norwegian, Swedes, French and from the UK mainly. We have experienced full marinas and anchorage where we could not sneak in.
Today, we made it to Gibraltar, kind of a significant step in our way to the Mediterranean. We were extremely exited about the trip and wishing to enjoy the cruise. To most of our surprise, a thick fog emerged as we were approaching the straight of Gibraltar, and we could not see more than 50 meters around us as we moved full speed in the currents all along the straight. No need to say that we will plan a new crossing of the Gibraltar straight in the future :-).
We reached Porto Douro Marina around 18:00 Saturday evening to find it full in relation with regattas organised this weekend. After asking if we could stay overnight on the service peer, one spot was finally identified for us, with a view on the Douro bridge! Nice to have a spot in such a city.
We made it to Baiona, along the Galician cost, 193,411 days after La Pinta made it. La Pinta was one of the three boats of the first expedition of Chistophorus Columbus (as they call it here) that departed from Southern Spain on 3rd August 1492. It was the first one to make the return journey in March 1493, reaching Baiona and bringing back the news of the success of the expedition!
On the picture below, I summarise our ride from Rochefort to Muros. As you can see, on the way from Rochefort to A Coruña, we had to divert when we encountered the tail of Danielle and the wind shifted northwest driven by a tropical hurricane going across the North Atlantic. When we reached the coast, a head wind of 30 knots and the swell were so high that we had to use the engine to support our move towards Burela.
From Vannes, we had a window of opportunity to moor for two days in Houat at 20 nautical miles, in Tréach Er Gourhed. Given the tides, we could only depart around 16:00 from Vannes, and reach Houat by 20:00. There were already around 40 ships mooring in this bay, but it was not a problem given our 1metre draft to find a place very close to the shore. Keep in mind that we are still in June, and the sailing season starts in mid-July, where you are likely to be in the hundred of sailing boat around here.
Despite winds from the West in the 8 to 10m m/s, from which we were protected, the night was a bit shaky because of a northern swell.
The Golfe du Morbihan is intimidating at first. It is known for its strong currents, tides and tricks. But in fact, as I asked my neighbours in the Le Crouesty marina, you just need to let yourself flow by the current in order to avoid obstacles.
Belisama was discharged from the Alubat rehabilitation service on Monday. She was thrilled to go back to water. However, there was still a long way to go before she could set sail. Especially since she got a raging fever, with temperatures above 40°C.
