You have to adjust to your environment to get the best shots — —a wildlife photographer’s tale.

15.05.2018

No, we have not changed our remit and are continuing our survey/exploration of Sardinian and Corsican Coves and harbours. With the current weather patterns we feel a bit like wildlife photographers who have to wait for the correct light and sea conditions to get the best shot of a penguin or sea otter.

Cala Spalmatore off Tavolara

This weather window finally appeared and we left Olbia trying to refuel as early as possible. Just on this Sunday the fuel berth seemed closed. On calling the number provided, the answer on the phone was :Yes, we are coming to help. Joy all around the waiting boats! Not for long, when the subsequent message was no, not open today.

Not discouraged and ‘early’ off the mark (0845) with beautiful sunshine we were really taken by the closeness of the coves and anchorages of Isola Tavolara and Capo Coda Cavallo Marine Reserve. The

sailing past Isola Tavolara

impressive mountain of Isola Tavolara (the skipper’s favourite from any angle) which is part of the very protected ZoneA (basically out of bounds) has an absolutely phantastic bay, Cala Spalmatore, which is reportedly packed with day anchorages in the summer. It is however really worth it.

After having seen, entered and occasionally anchored for lunch in 13 or 14 calas that day, we were happy to enter the small ‘cosy’ harbour of Ottiolu, relaxing for next day’s last stretch along the Sardinian NW coast to Capo Comino and La Caletta.

shipwreck at Punta San Diego (rocks galore)

La Caletta was still asleep waiting for the arrival of the tourists to wake up. Having reached the furthest southern point of the pilot’s book coverage we were looking for an appropriate establishment to celebrate or milestone, we found the only open burger bar and ordered 2  burgers. They were rather card board - type burgers, but at least they were hot and the wine was good …

Posada town and castle on the way towards Caletta

On our way N we decided to enter Porto Cervo to see it for ourselves. It was empty, the mooring help was friendly and experienced. The restaurants were in the process of opening (not for us, we were too early), and all shops were still closed. Just as we had settled down we were told we had to leave the next day because of a Regatta. We thought there must be a single place available for us if we needed one. Forced to change our plans we left for Porto Vecchio

Capo Comino, our destination

in Corsica with W-SW. 

sailing to Porto Vecchio

The 

wind was favourable  and allowed for an exhilarating beam reach in 14-16kn along the coast to arrive in Porto Vecchio on Corsica. it is a very lovely place with great history and a castle on a hill overlooking the harbour. It seems that the tourist activities start much earlier in France. The town was buzzing in the sunshine and ice creams were seriously tasty and just large enough.

Now we hope variable winds will allow us to continue in a couple of days to Bonifacio.

Porto Vecchio seen from the castle on the hill

largest ice cream since Mem (Gota Kanal)