Cruising the whole Greek archipelago from Kalamata in the northwest to Kastelorizo in the southeast followed by a crossing over to Crete.

Managing a 500Nm Mediterranean crossing in November with severe propellershaft problems allthough making landfall safely in Valetta.

Doing haulout and successful repairs of cutlass bearings as well as shaftseals followed by a crossing to the African continent and Tunisia.

Enjoying Sicily and all it has to offer in terms of history and culture and now being in Sardinia again enjoying it´s secluded bays (at least in low season) with small beaches and crystal clear water.

Mercedes gave me an extra dimension to all this cruising being so keen on history,art and culture. Moreover she has the energy (and some "fomo") to do research and learn new places, and then drag me with her and teach me all she knows.

She is also at home in the sea. Spending all summers in the family house by the sea of the North Atlantic Ocean, sealife is in her backbone.

While I was reading Robinson Crusoe falling in love with the horizon, Mercedes went with the Galician fishermen,sailed her snipe and dreamed to be a captain in the merchant navy .

That´s also why we can sit in the saloon of Dora Mac a rainy day watching Master and Commander (based on the books about captain Jack Aubrey) and enjoy it allthough having seen it before.

Mercedes is an odd,rare and wonderful combination of many things. What a woman !