Mahon

Beowulf
Tom Fenton and Faith Ressmeyer
Thu 26 Sep 2013 23:15
39 53.777N 4 15.395E
Cala Covas, last night's anchorage, is considered by some to be the bets anchorage in the Balearics. We spent much of the passage to Mahon debating that. I argued that if I could return to only one of the many anchorages we have enjoyed during this year, I would choose Cala Covas. As well as seclusion, clean clear water, good protection, good holding, its cliffs are the most spectacular we have seen by far, and the caves (apparently there are 150 of them) some datnig back to prehistoric times, others clearly still in use, are amazing. I think Faith gives the edge to Cala Tuent, on the NW coast of Mallorca. And maybe Espelmador was too long ago for us to remember its magic clearly. In a way, the point of the debate is to remind ourselves what an incredible place the Balearics are. How tempting it would be to stay in these waters for a few years. But today we motored into Mahon harbour, and realised how important to us the adventure is, the discovery of new places. Mahon, with all its naval and sailing history, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, is breathtaking. We are in the marina at the very head of the harbour. We expected this to be a disadvantage, but it is only a ten or fifteen minute walk to the centre of the old town. On the quay we came across David and Sally Thomas from Ipswich, in their yacht Orion, waiting for the right wind to cross to Sardinia. They are looking for somewhere pleasant to winter,  staying with their boat. Possibly Sicily. It is comforting to have friends who go ahead of you and report back on what they have found out. Tomorrow we will take off up the coast for two or three days exploring, then back to Mahon to see something of Menorca on land, by bus, and to pack Beowulft up for the winter. T