OLBIA
Landed in Olbia on 2nd of May with direct flight from CPH (Ryan Air).
Weather was chilly - almost like in Denmark.
Checked into a hotel near the boat yard with a rented car, to enable going to the boat yard and make preparations for the launch, which was scheduled for the 4th of May, confirmed by the boat yard.
Arriving there on the third, we noticed that the boat had not received the anti-fouling treatment on the bottom hull and sail drive, even though it was reported done the previous week by the boat yard. As it was a Sunday we could not discuss with anyone there - had to wait until Monday, the 4th, which was launch-day. However, discussions with the boat yard personnel revealed that the launch was not scheduled until next day, and the anti-fouling treatments were planned for the same day - which they claimed was as planned!
Anyway, we extended our hotel an car rent and prepared for the day after. Arriving there, we noticed that only the hull had been treated - and the propeller, which was not supposed to be treated, as I had cleaned and maintained it myself the day before. And they claimed that the sail drive was not supposed to be treated - which we had specifically agreed that it should, several weeks before.
After many discussions, they finally confirmed that the sail drive needed treatment, and it was performed the same day - actually with a very satisfactory result - see picture.
After launch we relocated from the boat yard to Marina di Olbia to continue cleaning and other preparations for the new season.
San Teodoro
San Teodoro is a 2-3 hour sailing distance, south of Olbia.
When entering the marina we were greeted by a Danish 'Go-daw'. It was Sten and Sinne from S/Y Baloo that had been wintering for six months in this marina. They showed to be a very experienced sailor couple that had been sailing for many years in the Caribbean and lately mostly in Greece. The usual story about selling everything and sailing for some years - then experiencing that they needed a home base in Denmark - exactly like we did (and several others, we have met on our journey).
We met with them the next day and had an enjoyable time together ending with dinner in Sakura.
After saying good night to our guests, we were getting ready to tug-in. When suddenly we noticed an unpleasant smell from the toilet - and I mean VERY UNPLEASANT !!!
Investigating, I noticed a pool of shit at the bottom of the boat - spreading also to the main cabin. The holding tank for so-called black water (diluted shit) had overflown. The outlet was presumably blocked. Fighting with the seacock valve in a desperate attempt to open it (the handle fell off and I couldn't be sure if it was open or closed) I ruined the spindle and the valve was completely stock.
It was getting late after we had finished cleaning the whole boat for shit - not a job I wish to repeat ever again. So we had to go to bed - without a toilet available.
Next morning I continued investigations and trying to unblock the outlet with the help from Sten from Baloo. No success, though. With a defect seacock valve I could see no other solution that the boat had to go on land on a boat yard. I tried to contact several, but the only one responding was the one we just left. However, they were quite responsive and willing to help on an emergency basis.
OLBIA - again
Back at Cantiere Valdettaro (the boat yard) I discussed with the technicians what to do. We agreed that they would haul up the boat and replace the seacock on the black water outlet. Additionally, they would replace the hoses and a T-piece - and test the tank for leaks.
It was Thursday and Friday was a partial holiday on Sardinia - so I estimated that it would not be until Tuesday, the earliest that Sakura would be back in th water.
So, we rented a car and were land-based tourist for a while...
Back in the water
After five days, Sakura was finally back in the water.
The boat yard had changed the seacock but nothing of the other stuff, we discussed - Italy!
But the toilet works as long as we keep the seacock open - the rest must be fixed later.
Now, we were just happy to be back in the water as the weather had improved, now showing real 'Med - weather'...
Guests from Denmark
On Saturday, we returned to Olbia to pick up our very good friends from Denmark, John and Jeanette.
They were staying for three days and we wanted to show them the beatiful places around Olbia.
First trip was to the island of Figarolo which is reputed to be a good spot for meeting dolphins. However, the dolphins were not aware of that, so they did not show up. But we found a nice anchorage to spend the night.
Next day we went a little south and had a good wind from the East enabling to sail almost all the way to Marina di Puntaldia without engine. Had good pizzas at a local restaurant.
On our way to Puntaldia we passed again the island of Tavolara - also known as 'The world's smallest kingdom'.
The island is one big rock and only the southern low part can be inhabited
The story is that one of the two families inhabiting the island proclaimed themselves as royal, and the head of the family as king of Tavola - thus independent of Italy.
It was all the time probably considered a joke, but still today the family that runs one of the two restaurants on the island, claim they a royal...
The 'royal' residence is supposed to be the white building
Going south towards Cagliari
Found a good anchorage on the way - no other boats, only us, feeling like we were sailing in a swimming pool.
Water temperature 24 degrees :-)
First stop was La Caletta - an ok place. Had a very large cheramic frieze at the inside of the breakwater key.
Next destination was Marina di Baunei - and on the way we spotted dolphins - unfortunately it took too long to prepare a video - so a little far away.
Marina di Baunei / Santa Maria Navarrese
Wow - what a place. Marina staff very friendly, all well organised, shower rooms impeccable, and not the least an amazingly beautiful location.
Had dinner at a restaurant above the marina - quite magical.
Next day, by incident, we became part of a local music event as the only tourists, apparently. Really, fantastic experience - picturesque, and very local.
See video clip below.
Further about our roundtrip of Sardinia...
Last anchorage to conclude our roundtrip of Sardinia. And yes, we have experienced similar before - but continues to be stunning :-)
...tomorrow we will go back to Corse (Corsica)...
Bonifacio
This is a must-see when in Corsica. It is an amazing approach by boat through a heavily fortified fjord. The town itself is divided in the harbour area and the citadel rising above.
Next couple of weeks...
We just cruised between Corsica and Sardinia, re-visiting some of the places from last year.
Ordinary holiday - still amazing, but much a repetition of last year - so won't waste your time with that :-)
