Another exciting time. This time accompanied by Levo our Turkish crewmember for 10 days. After leaving Corsica in our wake Phoenix headed for the sun and found Elba. Lots of evidence of Napoleon but he couldn’t be found – has he escaped again??? Phoenix is on for the chase. Down through the islands of Ponsa, Ententone, Capri but lost the trail in the back streets of Naples. Searched in the old ruins of Ostia and Herculaneum but all we found was brandy!

Took on the Roman devil of Messina and outran her with a force six through the straights avoiding all whirlpools.   After this every day it's light winds, glorious sunshine and sleeping on deck counting the stars moored in idyllic bays and inlets

A thousand miles on after leaving Barcelona and Phoenix is still trundling along like the thoroughbred she is and now waiting for the next crew at Gallipoli on the heel of Italy.

Greek Islands here we come

Eating Roman style in Ostia, an ancient Roman city.

Under full sail - life is just for cuddling!

A glorious sunset in the wes Med

Parked under the shadow of Vesuvius

June

What a month June has been; amazing highs and awful lows. The easiest way to tell you is probably as a diary.


12th Graham and Pat arrived. It seemed like the twelfth of never after all their problems but thankfully they made it.

15th Mike’s new teeth installed and looking magnificent – many many thanks to Judith and Hesther. We left BCN at last and headed for Corsica.

16th calm seas but Alison and Pat not feeling well. Saw loads of dolphins though which was better than I'd ever thought it would be(Alison).

17th same as 16th until about midnight – engine failure. Mike and Graham spent hours taking engine to pieces and putting together again – success – what clever boys they are.

18thWeather deteriorated and we arrived into Calvi with virtually no fuel in rough seas – but at last Alison was over sea sickness and loved the exhilaration of the sail. Went straight into the ‘Carinage’ ( boat hospital) but it was Saturday so nothing done until Monday.

Boat finally fixed by Wednesday. We spent our time in Calvi – a beautiful town in NW Corsica – eating, sightseeing, swimming (azure blue sea, white sand, no waves, backdrop of snow capped mountains).


23rd Five hour sail to Girolata a lovely hidden bay where the mountains come down to the sea.

24th decided to stay for the day and played – dingy to shore, snorkelling etc. Great until about 9pm when Mike smelt diesel. More engine problems – another sleepless night. This time we thought the trip was over.

25th Returned to Calvi. Weather changed, as it does in the Med – 40 mph tail winds and up to nearly 9 knotts in a swell of 6foot. Not for the feint hearted – or Alison and Pat. Straight to Carinage and wait until Monday again

More time in Calvi as tourists. Mike trecked up a local mountain (Capu di a Veta), while Alison, Pat and Graham went out for a very gooey continental breakfast. In the evening we had a beach bbq with dancing and silly games. Passers-by were very intrigued!


27th Engineer tells us problem not as bad as we thought and fixes it. Mike now £1500 worse off!!! Alison has her third phone stolen – her new iphone.

28th Pat and Graham leave for home while Mike and Alison decide how to make up for all the lost time.

29th We hire a scooter for the day and head for the hills. We decide that Corsica is a hidden gem and hope not too many people find out about it. It’s a very easy place to fall for. Mountains, sea, lush green vegetation, amazing views around every corner.

Beach bbq

View of Calvi from Mike's mountain walk

View from our scooter ride

Arriving in Calvi

Girolato