Our First Step Toward Sardinia

We had long been looking forward to our departure from Portocollom—not because we didn't like the place, but because it meant the first step toward Sardinia. A new country, new islands, and most importantly, the start of our autumn sailing trip.

The following is a direct entry from our LOG:

**Departure: 10:15 AM**

- Winds: 6 knots, gusts up to 8.4 from the east.

- Engine: 1800 RPM, speed 4.5 - 5.6 knots.

- Full sail.

- 57 nautical miles to go.

- Wave height: 0.3 meters (forecast 0.5).

- Engine hours recorded.

**11:52**

- Speed: 5.6 knots.

- Engine: 1800 RPM.

- Winds: 7.2 - 8.7 knots from the east.

- Waves: 0.3 - 0.4 meters.

- Slight cloud cover.

- LOG: 4108.

- 50.2 nautical miles to go.

- Engine hours: 5307.

- Heading (HDG): 072.

- Course Over Ground (COG): 065.

**Observations:**

Two boats spotted on starboard side, 1 nautical mile out. Same course toward Menorca.

**12:32**

- Course change: 10 degrees port to 058 HDG.

- LOG: 4111.

- Speed: 5.5 knots.

- Winds: 8.5 knots from ESE (120 degrees).

- 46.3 nautical miles to go.

- Waves increasing slightly to 0.4 meters.

**15:11**

- Course: 068.

- Coordinates: 39°37'12.2"N, 3°46'34.3"E.

- Speed: 5.6 knots.

- Wind: 7.5 knots.

- Engine: 1800 RPM.

- LOG: 4126.

- Distance to destination (DTD): 31 nautical miles.

**Observations:**

Lost two fish on the lines—looked like tuna. Spotted flying fish and a very large white creature jumping out of the water—looked like the underside of a whale. Lots of trash in the sea—possibly from the storm earlier in the month. Norah, Tristan, and Konrad are in the bow cabin watching a movie.

**16:26**

- Course: 066.

- Coordinates: 39°40.39.6"N, 3°55.00.0"E.

- Speed: 6.3 knots.

- Wind: 9.5 knots from SSE (151 degrees).

- Waves: 0.3 - 0.4 meters, decreasing.

- Engine: 1800 RPM.

- LOG: 4133.

- DTD: 23.7 nautical miles.

**Observations:**

Cloud cover fluctuating, decreasing. Several boats on the water. One sailboat about 1 nautical mile ahead—sailing faster than us. One catamaran ahead on a more northerly course. Two large sailboats with black sails heading south, about 2-3 nautical miles from us on the starboard side. We can now see Menorca’s coastline on the horizon.

- Course: 082.

- Coordinates: 39°45'19.9"N, 4°07'46"E.

- Speed: 6 knots.

- Wind: 7.4 knots from the south (180 degrees).

- Waves: steadily decreasing to 0.3 meters; choppier closer to Menorca but still comfortable.

- Engine: 2000 RPM.

- DTD: 12.8 nautical miles.

**Observations:**

We’ve started to head more into the wind to round the southeastern corner of Menorca. A few sailboats ahead, none in the danger zone. The sun is slowly setting. We’ve spotted more flying fish and small schools of fish near the bow. We hope to arrive in Maó before 9:00 PM so we can refuel and set sail early for Sardinia tomorrow. Betina is making dinner, and the kids are playing below deck.

**20:24 - Arrival at the entrance to Maó.**

- Calm weather, clouds gone.

- Waves: 0.2 meters or less.

- Winds decreasing to 4-6 knots.

- Speed: 5.5 knots.

- Engine: 2000 RPM.

- Wind from the south, unchanged.

**Diesel consumption:**

- 25 liters.

- Sailing time: 10 hours and 15 minutes.

- Consumption per hour: 2.5 liters.

**Observations:**

As we sailed past Moll de l'Illa de l'Aire, the water was azure and crystal-clear at 12 meters deep. A few boats anchored on the lee side of the island. Beautiful approach into Maó with the sunset over the island. Very few sailors—mostly Spanish motorboats. After refueling, we anchored near Illa del Rei.