Thursday 6 June 2019

As today was my birthday we had to find something special to do. It turned out to be running into town to the fish market that we had reconnoitred yesterday for some fish for tonight, and then stopping at the bakery for croissants and pain au chocolate for breakfast. A lovely indulgence, which we are only able to take advantage of, when in port.

The harbour in Ciutadella is prone to some very odd currents, and with the wind having blown in from the west yesterday, there was a swell running. This resulted in the boats moving in a very strange corkscrew motion, first pulling hard against the quay, and then reversing and pulling against the lines at the bow. It was not especially comfortable, and we were keen to get going.  We left our spot outside the canoe club and headed out. We have been so impressed with the children at the club. They seem to aged between about 10 and 15, and have arrived after school time each day to be taken out for their lesson. When it is completed, they bring the equipment back and wash it down and put it away, without supervision.  There is good humour and team work in abundance. No one seems to be trying to shirk and they all seem to be really enjoying themselves.

We had checked the weather forecast (countless times) and seen that there were some stronger winds forecast from the south.  As we did not want to stay longer in port, we headed to a cala on the north coast, were we hoped to be well sheltered. It was going to be only a short day on the water, but by the time we had got to the headlands at the north west corner of Menorca, we were experiencing a nasty confused sea and insufficient wind to be able to punch through it. Against our better principles, we resorted to using the engine.  By the time we were going along the north coast, the wind had come around to be directly on the nose and freshened, so we stuck with the motor for the short distance along this shore.  During this time, we were overtaken by a French catamaran, also motoring.  There were a number of people sunbathing on the foredeck as they went into about 22 knots of wind. They must have been either very hardy or very determined, it was cold in the wind.

We arrived at Cala Algaiarens and found refuge from the wind inside. It was a large bay with high sides, dramatic rocky cliffs and little in the way of buildings. There were just half a dozen other boats, presumably all seeking the same shelter as us.

Distance covered today	14	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	805	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	805	nautical miles
Steve (and Tricia)