The Bash to the Balearics

Leaving Italy behind and heading for Spain, we started off with our usual light wind and motor sailing along…but this time the wind built and built, and the sloppy seas set in, and soon it was NNW 20-25 providing a rock and roll 200 mile passage! It’s either all or nothing around here! 

But we arrived safely in Menorca in the early afternoon and began looking for an anchorage in Mahon. These areas are largely restricted so we finally settled for a spot at the end of the dock at Port Menorca. EQ took a beating from the surge there and so we were happy to be off the next day. 


After a rolling night at crowded Cala Binibecca, we found Cala Trebeluja. This beautiful cove on the southwest side of the island was surrounded by rocky cliffs with caves and held a lovely sandy beach at the head. With the wind blowing from the southwest we knew it would be a rolly first night but the prediction was for the wind to turn north and gusty within a day so we figured it was worth grabbing our spot and toughing it out. For the next three days the wind blew like stink and we couldn't leave the boat  - staying alert on anchor watch both for ourselves and all the other yachts (who don't set their anchors...)



Finally the wind backed enough for a trip ashore to hike up to the top of the cliffs. We were rewarded with a view down at EQ sitting pretty in the sparkling waters.

Time was slipping by on our 90 day allowance in the EU though so after only a week in Menorca we set out for Mallorca. Back to light winds and slight swell, we motored along again for the 43 mile hop.

It seemed to make sense to land at the nearest point on the east coast and it turned out to be one of our favorite anchorages - Cala Magraner. It was a tight spot with canyon walls rising on both sides but it was lovely. There were even mountain goats! And we socialized with  a Dutch/French boat as well as another Kiwi!

Next stop  - Porto Colom where we took a swing mooring and spent several days sorting the usual things like internet and laundry and provisions. A long bus ride took us to Palma where we scoped out the chandlery and marine services with an eye to getting parts from the Perkins dealer. After a few more one night stand anchorages (including one with a long beach for walking and where Kim finally got to try out the kayak) we sailed into Marina de Longa in Palma. Our slip was right up next to the street and made easy access for the next four days we were there.

Palma is the kind of city that can grow on you over time. At first just a city, as we walked back and forth several times to the Perkins dealer and supermarket etc, it started to charm. As the capital of the Mallorca (Majorca) the resort has put effort into creating a welcoming atmosphere with street art and plantings.

As an day excursion, we rode the Tren de Soller, a vintage narrow gauge railroad up and over the hills to the northern coastal resort of Soller. There we wandered the streets, had a delicious lunch on a patio garden oasis and had THE BEST gelato to date (and we've sampled a lot).

And before you know it, you guessed it, we were off again! Sailing around the corner to Cala de Santa Once for a respite at anchor for two nights. In this pleasant harbor we enjoyed the full moon and concert music wafting from shore.

The next island stop was Ibiza. A 5am departure in a light southerly sailing into the moon beam and watching the sun rise in a red ball behind us was delightful. Arriving at Cala Boix 50 miles later we chose a pretty spot among the cliffs and beach in the cove. After a couple of nights at Ibiza we set of for Formentera where the number of charter yachts jockeying for space was swelling.


And that's the news from EQ where the wind is unpredictable, the seas mostly calm and the crew content but moving ever westward.

With Equanimity and Joy.