42:21.0N 8:36.9E

 

16 June Motor and sail along stunning coastline (Provence without the Brits!) to pretty but commercialised cove

 

Depart beach anchorage 0600

Arrive Girolata 1830 40nm

 

Sun all day

 

Early start. Jumper off 0630, shorts on 0730 – temperatures getting very pleasant. Rows of high jagged granite mountains drop straight down to sea. Landmarks with Italian style names. (France has only “ruled” Corse for last 200 years – previously Italian supremacy. Backalong (AD 712 up to 12th century) the Saracens (or Moors) raided and controlled some coastal towns in S. The Corsican regional flag (we fly under tricolore) is a a Moor’s head in profile  with a white bandana, as first used by Corsican rebels in 18th century.  A really cool flag.) Stop Calvi for “franchise” (2 hrs free parking for shopping etc). Huge (and v busy  – has the hol season just begun?) SuperU close to berths. Double back to get replacement Gaz and more Guinness (and chuck all the empties stowed in unused kedge bucket).Girls do the citadel (captured by Nelson 1794 by landing artillery ashore, hauling overland to hill overlooking citadel and shelling for 4 weeks. He lost sight in eye here when hit by splinters of stone from enemy shell landing nearby. )Sop at fuel pontoon, but no diesel till 1400 – press on. More spectacular coastline – then the magical red granite cliffs from just before Ile de Gargalu. Incredible shapes carved by wind and sea. Huge bays, head in to “must do” Girolata, secluded cove only accessible from sea and now many moorings and quaint bars/restaurants ashore. Tie up to buoys fore n aft. Ashore for a beer. Warm in here with little wind, and flies from the beach.