We sailed from Cala Son Saura in Minorca in a light north easterly and when the wind increased we hoisted the cruising shute which billowed out beautifully and took us all the way to Cabo Farrutz, the north eastern point of Majorca. As we came into Alucudia we spotted Far Out, our American friends' boat, and bobbing in the water close by were Rick and Barbara enjoying an afternoon swim!
We had kept in touch by e-mail and had planned to meet up before we set sail for the mainland. They like us had plenty of stories to tell which occupied two nights of constant chatting!
Alcudia, backed by dramatic mountain ranges, had, rather surprisingly, a wide range of yacht services and companies that were touting for business, so we decided to research them all to see if we could find an even cheaper place to overwinter Moonshadow. Up to now we had dismissed the Balearics for overwintering since we had been quoted prices around 7,000E, compared to 2,400E on mainland Spain! We only had a few days left to make our choice.
We spent two days in Alcudia comparing prices, but after putting our hopes up we found out that Moonshadow's draught was too great for the shallow harbour where she would be lifted out of the water. So it was back to plan A – overwintering at Sant Carles de la Rapita.
Before we left we sailed into Pollensa and later in the day took Hugh and his girlfriend Amy, together with her sister and mother for a sail, swim and a snorkel in a nearby bay. It was perfect sailing weather and Hugh enjoyed the tacking and the girls had a go at steering.
Our final trip along the north western coast of Majorca was dramatic. Massive cliffs swept down to the sea, making us feel like a small pin floating in the water below. There was very little civilisation along this coast of mean looking cliffs, and the winter winds had done their work, slashing against the rocks, producing unexpected caves and sudden outcrops of grass and firs in the occasional sheltered craggy ledge.
We sailed into Soller harbour and anchored for the night in preparation for our 24 hour trip to Sant Carles. For me night sailing was a new experience and one that went well after I had learnt the different lights that boats display at night to signal their course. In fact it is quite welcoming to see a light appearing in the vastness of the dark ocean. Your only concern then is to check it is not on a collision course with you! Nightime at sea is a great opportunity for reflection when the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull and the starry sky are your only companions.
We made it to Sant Carles by midday the next day after a mixture of motoring and sailing. The marina, only opened last year, is part of a vast harbour area, which at the moment is totally under utilised. It is owned by MDL marinas who have provided first class facilities with showers, swimming pool, leisure room and restaurant and bar area. They appear to be responsive and service minded.
We spent the last four days of our holiday preparing Moonshadow for overwintering. The sails were all packed away in sail bags, the deck was scrubbed and the engine serviced with plenty of oil. We were hoisted up on land so that we could clean the propeller and touch up on some hull work. This winter preparation work was undertaken mostly in heavy rain – the first we had experienced since June! – so we didn't feel so bad about leaving our sunshine holiday behind!
Packing sails and Moonshadow on land at Sant Carles
Our last night was spent spectating a bull run in the streets of Sant Carles. Not quite our thing but the crowds were obviously enjoying it!
