41:17.0N 9:21.5E

 

22 June – need to get across the straights before gets too windy

Depart Bonifacio 1200

Arrive & anchor E coast of Isola Budelli 1500 15nm

Sun sun sun, Wf4/5

 

Need to top up fuel, but a megga yacht has been tied up on fuel quay most of morning. They close at 1230. No room for D`fly to slip in. Noticed Diamonds are Forever had a couple of tankers to fill her up – must be on the move soon. Do google meggayacht Diamonds are Forever. For sale at 60 million US dollars, charter winter (Caribbean or Bahamas) 398/450,000 US Ds per week – only 330/365,000 in summer (Med). Is the fuel charged on top?!!  Head out (only need 20ltrs, so not critical). 2 reefs and a bit of genny rolled up as we cream down the straights 7 knts plus. Swap courtesy flags. Sad to  leave Corse as much fun. Could spend much of summer here enjoying the Corsican way and scenery. Wind builds. Straits are a 3D funnel and have been watching mistral moving thro Gulf of the Lions on Navtex and passage weather (via kindle). On its way here. Latest kindle check shows OK for next 24hrs so head for bay  on E coats of Isola Budelli, part of N group of islands of La Maddalena archipelago. National park and marine reserve – so all sorts of regs. Supposed to only pick up authority buoys (no anchoring to protect the weed), but when arrive no buoys, and other boats at anchor. We do too, in 20ft. In lee of island, but gusty. Other boats move on, we creep in to 12 ft and reanchor taking care to drop in sandy patch. Duck ashore. Thick Maquis so difficult to go anywhere but get to next beach and meet Irish boyband who have come ashore from Benetti 33 moored closely. (Well, presumed boyband – what would 6 lads with Irish accents be doing on such a cool old-stylee MY, just like the one skip worked on many many years ago. Should have clocked the name to google it.) Whilst ashore note big rib and diver laying the park authority mooring buoys! Looks like the ground chain/blocks are left down, and the diver reattaches the riser for the season. Wind dies, v pleasant night at anchor. Only 2 other boats do same, tho another arrives v late. So peaceful and relaxing. Nature at its best.