Fai Tira now in Mallorca.   39:42.30N 03:27.53E

07^th August 2011

After a good nights sleep in calm conditions we pulled up the anchor at 8am and set off for Mallorca. It was going to take us 8 hours at 5 knots.  I would have liked to have gone to Porto Pollensa but the strong north westerly’s were forecast for the following day and it would make it uncomfortable to stop there so we headed for Cala Ratjada on the north east point of the island.

We had a great sail, most of it beam reached and arrived ahead of schedule.  The was Fai Tira blue and quite calm.  We dropped the hook in 5 metres over sand and headed into the town in the dinghy. The beach landing was quite interesting as there was a bit of a swell but we survived it and kept fairly dry.

We stopped for cocktails and then headed for the nearest restaurant.  We were quite surprised that the town catered mostly for the Germans.  We never saw any English people.   After a great meal and a couple of bottles of wine we headed back to FT and our bunks.

The next day we moved along the coast in rough conditions as the Mistral was blowing and anchored in a small Cala called Calas Magraner which was lovely and had a recognised climbing site with bolted pitches.   The Cala was a designated also nudist beach as well so it was quite interesting watching the climbers along with naked men, women and children. 

The wind picked up during the night and we had quite an uncomfortable time.  I had deployed the Kedge anchor to keep FT facing the incoming swell but the wave reflections from the side of the Cala caused the boat to rock and roll.  The morning came bring with it lighter winds and less swell which was a relief.  We pulled up the anchors at midday and headed further south to lovely calm bay on the south east of the island.  On the way we called to look at Cala D’Or but decided not to stop.

We anchored here in 3 meters of lovely warm blue water.  It was a popular anchorage and very busy.  The calm night was welcomed and we slept in until 10.30.  Today was cleaning day so we set to and thoroughly cleaned FT.  Some weed had built up on the hull so Maisie and myself got scrubbing that off whilst Ed and Tracey worked on the inside.

The water was so nice it even enticed Tracey in for a swim.  At 3.30pm we pulled up the anchor and headed for the Marina at Porto Rapita.  We had been put on the waiting list for a birth as they were full even at 95€ a night!!!! We managed to get in birthed alongside another boat.  Whilst we were sitting chatting a Spanish lady came over to us with a bottle of wine.  She could only speak a little English but I understood her enough to make out she had been following our adventures on the blog and seen us come into the port.  Hence the greeting and the bottle of wine.  How good is that? 

It was to be our last night together so we got dressed up and went out for a nice paella.  Tracey leaves today and Barry Underwood my old flying mate is joining me.

I have loved having Tracey, Simon, Maisie and Ed on board they have been a great crew.  Thanks guys.

Pete.