Wednesday 25 September 2019

Gonone was all action from 8am, as teams of people were readying the day-tripper boats and ribs for the tourist trips to nearby caves. We didn’t have time to investigate, but the caves must be spectacular. By 9.00, coach loads of people were arriving to be taken out on the boats. It is a very small harbour in a very small town, whose existence seems to be to ferry tourists out on day trips.

We found a gap in the traffic and eased our way out of our very tight space, with the help of the neighbours each side. At least their fenders were the correct height for us, so it was just a case of making sure they stay down to protect each of the boats. The German boat on our right also had to protect their overhanging barbecue. To have such a thing on the side, must mean they haven’t been squashed in, like sardines in a can, before.

Looking back the town looks very attractive, as it is set in the steep sides of the mountain, but we were very happy to be moving on. It is the most expensive marina we have stayed in, while in Sardinia, and they didn’t even provide toilets, let alone showers. These facilities were closed from 7.00 in the evening until 9.00 in the morning. As this was the period were there, it was of no use to us at all. I guess they have a captive market of boats in a situation as we were, of having to go in, to get a good nights rest. On the plus side, we had a peacefully quiet night, nicely protected from the swell outside.

The wind, forecast to be from the west again, was all day from the south east, so we were upwind sailing and made good speed to Santa Maria Navarese. We had high hopes of this place and were hoping to investigate it as possible place to leave the boat for the winter. Steve had telephoned in the morning and they advised they had space for us. He had been rather over optimistic about our arrival time, so arriving at 2.30pm, we were well into siesta time. Other than one or two people working on their boats, the place seemed deserted. There was no response on VHF or telephone, so we decided we would just have to park ourselves and we found a nice easy open space. This was to be our first stern to mooring with no help at all. Fortunately, the wind had died, so it was perfect conditions to embark on such a momentous feat. All went well.

The marinero appeared in the office at 4pm and, as we expected, wanted us to move, as we were in the space of a regular berth holder.

The boat yard looked small and, as we were underwhelmed by the welcome, we discounted here for staying longer. The toilets and showers, however, were the best, so far, in Sardinia, almost palatial compared to some places.

I have strained my back, putting me on light physical duties, so it was early to bed.

Distance covered today	26.0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	318.0	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	1371.0	nautical miles

Tricia (and Steve)