Ibiza is an island off the coast of Spain, part of the Balearic Islands and steeped in history with conflicts and fortifications dating back to the 7th century BC. It has a wonderful climate year round with summer temperatures a balmy average high of 30 degrees C, so no wonder it was on Tanya’s list of places to visit. Notwithstanding its rich history and magnificent cultural sites, tellingly the Wikipedia entry for the island records a few sentences under “culture" and several pages under “nightlife” so we were very lucky to be able to visit only a few days after it has started to re-open to tourists, enjoying it without the crowds.

But I get ahead of myself. After a leisurely breakfast - which Tanya preceded with a bravely refreshing early morning swim - we left Formentera mid morning. The winds were a gentle 7 - 10 knots and perfect for our spinnaker which we raised without further ado. After Roberto, Alastair and Julian had set things up they handed over to Tanya and Julia to steer and  control the sheet. 

To explain the significance of this opportunity, which was a first for Julia … the spinnaker, as a light wind sail, is fragile and easily damaged. Whilst easily filled with wind, it also easily collapses and both careful helming and accurately controlling the sheet entail anticipating the vagaries of light wind changes and the impact of passing ferries rockingthe boat. To have had the opportunity to try both these roles on the sail to Ibiza is something that is a real highlight of the trip for Julia and something she will remember for a long time… thanks guys.

Arriving in Ibiza at Port d’Eivissa, Roberto, Tanya and Alastair berthed Knotty Girl while Julian and Julia - who are new to Mediterranean mooring practices - watched amazed at how she squeezed between neighbouring boats perfectly although seemingly there was not a spare centimetre of space between boat fenders on each side. We washed the boat down, enjoyed Tanya’s amazing lunch and spent the afternoon exploring - Alastair heading off to see an old friend while the rest of us headed into the historic part of town.

Dinner was a most enjoyable three course occasion at a wonderful seafood restaurant, rounding off a wonderful, perhaps even perfect, day

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