Sunday 9th August

Having not receieved a blog for so long our readers may well have presumed us lost at sea! _ not the case, just too busy enjoying ourselves in the Croatian sunshine!

 

The new crew - Chris and Claire, Rob and Rachael and their two children, Catherine and Hugo, arrived last Monday and met up with the boat at Tsunami Bar- again, appropriately named as we had difficult conditions to transfer 6 crew, 12 cases (!) and provisions in our small rib. All accomplished without any losses except 1 bottle of wine, and then off to Split to complete formalities.  Claire takes up the story from here (Editorial rights reserved, again!) and includes some of her selected photos - at last, do I hear you say?!

 

With a novice crew aboard (with the exception of Rob) we began our weeks sailing holiday with a short 'motor' to Split. The children were full of enthusiasm (and questions!) and I was busy dusting off my limited prior sailing knowledge. We enjoyed a meal in the centre of Split before retiring for the evening after the excitement of the day.

 

The following morning we awoke to a forcast of strong winds and weighed anchor early in order to passage to the Pakleni Islands (off Hvar). A four hour sail with gusts of 24 knots left the children feeling nervous, me trying to supress fears of seasickness and Dad buzzing with exhilaration! We saw several smaller boats 'running for cover' but in true Bonniwell style we pressed on and arrived in a large bay where we spent the rest of the day and that night.

 

The island of Vis loomed in the distance as we began a 12 mile sail to reach Stonica. My favourite bay so far (despite a very angry local who shouted at us from afar as we anchored stern to on 'his' jetty- his favourite phrase being, and I quote "I call ze police!") with turquoise waters, small houses dotted on the cliffs and a tasty restaurant where the local Peka dish (meat cooked in an open fire (photo) under a large dome) served with potatoes and salad- and the first half decent white wine of the holiday.

 

After a short 'jaunt' the next day we arrived in Vis town. The attractive port provided hours of entertainment for all aboard as we watched various yachts anchor, ferries come and go and even the huge super yacht, Christina O. This was a birthday present from Aristotil Onassis, the Greek shipping billionaire, to his daughter Christina- I AM looking forward to my 30th!!

 

With perfect winds and apparently Dad's best sail in Croatia we beat to Sesula on Solta island, where we are now. The glorious weather and perfect conditions enabled us all some time to reflect! (photos) Having anchored stern to and settled in for the evening to a tasty dish of lemon and lime chicken (thanks Rachael!) all was not as it seemed! With the wind changing direction Wishanger II was moving towards two large 'stink boats' (what Dad calls motor boats).  The Italians aboard took great delight in watching us struggle in the dark with the rib, sharp rocks (Chris's leg knows how sharp) and lines ashore as we secured ourselves in a better and safer position. A watch rota was drawn up (my cue to make a hasty retreat!) to ensure no further mishaps, but later dropped when the wind abated.

 

Today is the last day of our trip before we head back to Tsunami bar to disembark and catch flights back to the rain! A good time has been had by all - it certainly beats my last sailing in Ireland in the drizzle and cold.  However I DO look forward to having a LONG hot shower!!

 

Brian, Claire, Chris, Rob, Rachael, Catherine and Hugo

 

Stop Press

Chris and Claire tried water skiing today. Chris blamed the lack of power from the rib - like me! After 10 attempts Claire nearly succeeded but then got too tired. She is determined and must try again tomorrow! She says 'will I?'.

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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