First sail with Tao
End of July 2015: Malta
We left the marina Grand Harbour under a large sun and a breeze 10 a 15 Nodes. Perfect conditions for a first navigation with Tao. We get a deep and quiet Bay to St Peters Pool... We are only at anchor, the water is clear and we are already seeing dive in this crystal clear water ...
But we quickly understand that it is a place to make you of all the ships the weekend... and we are Friday. In a few hours the Bay is invaded by yachts and boats of all sizes. We are almost caught in "sandwich", some begin to pair a few meters from us.
We keep an eye on our "neighbors" because two times in a row their boat slips quietly on Tao. It's in a good mood as’ they go back a few meters of chain they placed at the bottom and move a little further.
By late afternoon there one hundred wet boats. So much for peace !!
Not much choice than staying until Monday because a gust of wind is announced and it is the best shelter.
Island of Gozo
We are surprised to be the only boat in the crater surrounded by cliffs. There is no one... except to the sunset when tourist boats flock time to contemplate the last rays through the hole of the rock..
While I do my exercise "daily", Philippe climbing the wall of the crater and visit the tower built in Dwejra 1652 during the reign of Grand Master Lascaris Castellar Paul, Knight of Provence, France.
Saturday, August 1: Sicile - Favignana Island - Egades
After a quiet crossing from Malta, It's in the early morning we enter the Bay of Cala Rotonda by a narrow pass. Favignana island is part of the Egadi archipelago which lies at the Northwest end of Sicily. As a fact on purpose it's the weekend and anchor fills with boats. We remain nevertheless, because we know that at nightfall everybody off again. Short stage we will return to Sicily.
Sardinia
Just a night of navigation to reach South East Sardinia. The wind is at the appointment you for a few hours, then we end engine.
Clothing new outfits in the early morning, it is not very hot!
Monday 3 August: Punta Pula
Anchor on bottom of sand in front of a large beach. To the West, the Punta di Pula and Roman ruins. Attempt to down to Earth... but the beach is crowded umbrellas and sun loungers... then walk along the coast and back to the boat.
Tuesday 4 August: Porto Malfatano
Gorgeous!!! We put the anchor in 3 on a background of white sand crystalline water meters. We appreciate being alone at anchor. No pictures because we spend our time in the water!
Wednesday 5 August: San Antioco / Porto Romano - Tao dock
It's been less dream like "landscape" but the city of San Antioco is the best place for refueling and in addition the boat is safe before the Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs.
Bicycles on a boat that is useful especially when the city center is far. We travel a few kilometers and find the direction of a supermarket "discounter".
I address one of the cashiers, with some "basics" I know Italian, but it's not enough to make me understand. Nobody speaks English out of luck! Fortunately a couple who speak French comes to my rescue. We meet and they propose to act as "driver" with their car the next day.
The appointment is taken you, We fill up 2 caddies who return without problem in their 4×4.
We offer them refreshment , but they do not have too sailor, even at the dock.
The next day we find them under the pines with their friends where they used to meet daily to discuss fun. We spend a very good time!
Saturday 8 August: Capo San Marco
The area is a protected natural park. We expect that a deadweight is free... and jump on it! surprising person asks nothing of us... would it be free? Philippe dives to check the quality of the deadweight. The evening most of the boats returned to port and we are almost alone in the Bay.
We are east of Capo san Marco, facing the Roman ruins. Trip to earth story to stretch the legs up to the lighthouse at the end of the course and visit some ruins.
Monday 10 August: Mal di Ventre Island
Anchor in the Lee of the island in a pretty wild Bay. The water is calm and lined with small beaches where bathing is good. We do around the island walk. The windward side is swept by wind and beaten by the waves. The vegetation is shaved and dry.
The part downwind of the island is a maze of Tufts of ras spicy and impenetrable maquis. We decide to cut through this labyrinth and after having turned back to many times that we find our schedule.
Tuesday 11 August: Porto Conte - Cala del Bola
We stopped just one night in this tourist spot and starting again the next morning we follow closely the impressive cliffs ...
Thursday 13 August: Isla Piana
Wetting on sandy bottom by 3 meters of water ... We spend the day in the water ...
Saturday 15 August we head on Corsica ...