Heading North to Corsica. 26th -27th July 2014. 41.25:97N 009.13:63E
Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Sun 27 Jul 2014 18:56
With all sails up by 09.14 hrs in light winds we arrived at the natural harbour entrance at 11.00 hrs. As we approached the narrow harbour entrance we were met by an armada of yachts, boats and day tripper tourist boats heading both in and out of the harbour at speed and four abreast. We threaded our way into the chaotic harbour..... now in full tourist season.
With yachts vying for position for the rare vacant space and boats standing off floating around by the diesel pontoon we held off to see what was possible. With boats passing our bow, stern and skimming past us in a tight space, Tony decided to turn Tioram around and head back out to sea. Whilst turning we had yachts skimming us on most directions. It is incredible that we didn't see collisions.......we are told there are many in high season.
So we headed back out to sea. The photos below are the ones I managed to take as we were leaving. We left disappointed not to get in. The harbour will not take any bookings and the ' marineros' occasionally will tell you where to moor but won't lift pick up lines for you from the dock. So with just the two of us in tight spaces, it was impossible.
So we decided to continue north along the coast of Corsica. The Piantarella passage is a very tight narrow and shallow passage between Corsica and the small island of Cavallo , Ille Ratino and other rocky islets. A series of transit marks need to be lined up to keep the boat safely off isolated dangers. It's amazing with all of today's technology, gps and chart plotters that the safest route through the passage is still by keeping ancient transits in line.
As we sailed north our wind increased to a 25 knot headwind. Pushing into a swell and headwind under engine is no fun so we diverted into the Santa Amanza gulf.
Here in the N E facing gulf the wind actually increased and we didn't find any lee to shelter.
We noticed other yachts anchored in strong wind under a vertical cliff face. We normally avoid these types of cliffs as in Greece the wind was increased as a catabatic with downdraft. We decided to check it out and found that the 25 knots dropped to 13 gusting 17 under the cliff face.
A great find with a sandy seabed for good holding. The wind dropped overnight and the anchorage near the adjacent beach was lovely.
Photos of .....
Chaos in Bonifacio , Corsica
Golfo Santa Amanza , Corsica.
Love to all
T and T x x.
