SUMMER 2021: Crossing the Biscay!
After a year’s delay, our dream of sailing to the Mediterranean is about to become reality. Our boat – Merryn – is now fully kitted out: new sails, running rigging, water maker, life raft, provisions, even a washing machine! The big question is: are the crew as well prepared?
Our route to the Mediterranean
This (approximately!) charts our passage from Falmouth. Click on the pins for a little more info…
The Blog posts: click on the pictures to read and see more…
22nd October 2021
Our last two weeks of the season, and a change of scenery as we rent an apartment inland whilst preparing the boat for the winter. A chance to do some rugged walks in the mountainous interior, visit quirky inland villages, and spend a week with Jono’s Dad who has joined us for a holiday.
7th October 2021
Our last sailing of the season, with a trip to the La Maddalena archipelago, just before the onset of the Mistral wind sends us scurrying for shelter.
25th September 2021
The Sardinian holiday continues: more beaches, more swimming, more sights, and roast suckling pig!
14th September 2021
Loving Sardinia! After a fabulous sail from Menorca we’re enjoying pasta, friendly Sards and laid back empty beaches.
3rd September 2021
Enjoying life in Menorca! Sheltered bays, beautiful old harbours, and some challenging sailing.
27th August 2021
Our last week in Mallorca, cruising around the Southern and Eastern shores, enjoying quiet anchorages and old fishing villages
22nd August 2021
We arrive in Palma, Mallorca, where we relax for a week, taking in the sights of the city, meet up with some old friends and become proper tourists: catching the old wooden tram to the lovely town of Soller
17th August 2021
Reflections on 11 days spent sailing around Ibiza – the highs and lows, and plenty of practice with the anchor.
6th August 2021
Cate takes a break – flying home to visit friends and family, and Jono is joined by his brother, his nephew, and by a drone – some excellent sailing to and around Ibiza, with the aerial photos to prove it!
23rd July 2021
Plenty of long passages as we move around the coast from the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanco. Now resting in Cartagena and taking in the sights and fine food
13th July 2021
We have left the the Atlantic behind, sailed through the straits of Gibraltar on a strong Westerly wind, and have arrived at Puerto Duquesa, our first Mediterranean port, and a taste of the Costa del Sol.
9th July 2021
We’re now in Cadiz, sheltering from an easterly gale – the Levanter – that has covered us in Saharan sand. Once the wind settles to a westerly we’ll head from here towards Gibraltar.
2nd July 2021
A fabulous week on the Algarve in glorious sunshine before we departed Portugal and sailed into Spain. It’s getting hotter.
26th June 2021
Now we are on our own! A couple more long passages take us round the south western tip of Portugal and into the Algarve. It starts to get seriously hot.
19th June 2021
Our first week in Portugal. Time to unwind after the Biscay passage, enjoy the sights and tastes of the Portuguese Atlantic coast, and to say goodbye to our crew
11th June 2021: Part 2 – the video
A little bit late to publish, but here is the video of our crossing
11th June 2021
We have done it! In the event, benign weather conditions and skilled crew made the trip both straightforward and fun. A video will follow, but here is a brief story of the trip
2nd June 2021
Final preparations for the trip are completed, and the passage planning for the Biscay crossing begins in earnest