Tuesday 8th of June 2021:
After six months of refit, we finally left Sant Carles for the Balearic Islands… a little late in the day with eight hours’ crossing ahead to the Columbretes Islands, a natural reserve and ancient volcanic crater, safe heaven for yachts crossing between the Balearics and the Spanish mainland. The wind was blowing straight on the nose as we headed South so we motored the whole way there. The most important thing was to get away. As the coastline faded away, the waves dissipated and for the first time, the six of us in the cockpit were gliding over the sea with music rocking and the breeze in our faces. A huge sense of relief washed over us. So much frustration and fatigue had been bottled up to that point.
We found night shelter in perfect timing for a carefree swim before sunset. We discovered with how much delight Lee doggie paddled in deep water. An incredibly clear dark blue. Tama, Luca and Naomi were giggling with excitement. A few other quiet sailing yachts were moored there. Thousands of noisy seagulls flying above the glowing cliffs.
It was 10pm by the time we sat around to eat our barbecued sausages. We fell asleep feeling very happy and exhausted.
9th of June:
We woke up laughing. Absolute perfect morning, beautiful scenery and stillness. Morning swim and coffee in the cockpit before crossing the 60 miles that separated us from Ibiza. It took us approximately 10 hours.
Another very relaxing crossing, fishing rods out and general siesta in the cockpit. We were able to sail for the last three hours of the trip as the wind shifted slightly.
We arrived just before sundown in the wide and peaceful bay of Cala Xucla on the Northern side of the island of Ibiza.
10th of June:
Typical summer morning in the Mediterranean. We all messed around in the water before picking up anchor and heading westward along the coast. This time we were able to cruise with just the headsail right out, and with no particular destination in mind. Bliss.
We later turned back eastward to pull into a very quaint little bay called Calla Benirràs. Soon after we anchored by the cliffs, we were met by an English family of long term cruisers with two teenage boys. From this moment on and until the next evening, we hardly saw Tama, Luca and Naomi who were off cliff jumping and exploring in the caring company of 16 year-old Louis and 12 year old Max.
We had to move to the next bay over as we found ourselves on the edge of posidonia weed beds which are protected. Anchors and chains must keep off. We spent a couple of lovely social evenings sitting on the beach in Cala Benirràs with the sounds of bongo drums and colourful beach dancing all around.
Both nights, Lee swam off the beach until dark while the three big kids were rock jumping and people watching. On our second evening there, we befriended a really nice young Quebequois with an Italian upbringing. Jonathan is crew on Vixen II, a 1915 classic yacht at anchor next to us in Cala San Miguel.
