Sardinia Summer 2015

[Hurricane]

OK - so following on from some thread drift in another thread - here are our plans for this year.

My eldest son has been building up to doing Iron Man events.
For those who don't know, an Iron Man is like a Triathlon - only much bigger.
Just like a Triathlon, the disciplines are swimming, cycling and running.
I can't remember the distances for swimming and cycling but an Iron Man finishes with a Full Marathon so you can see the scale of the event.
My son is starting his season with a Half Iron Man which takes place in Alcudia on the 8th May.
Unlike his father, he has been building up for this over several years so we said that we would take the boat over and give him some support.
With this in mind, we have booked JW into Alcudiamar from the 4th May to the 16th May.
One driving force for me is that fantastic steak restaurant that Deleted User put us onto - the Meson Dulcinea.

Anyway, that said, that will put us one about one third of the way to Sardinia.
A few years ago, a group from this forum helped SWMBO and I bring JW back from Malta and one of our transit stops was the small port of Carloforte - the only town on a small island on the south west coast of Sardinia.
Those who helped may remember it.
We had previously left Tunisia where our experiences were (to say the least) not the happiest.
And it was a real breath of fresh air to get back to a civilised country.
Indeed, we found Carloforte such a nice place that our departure time was delayed whilst we enjoyed a very pleasant meal in a local family restaurant.
At the time, I thought - I'd like to revisit.

Most of you will know that MapisM is based there but I'll let him tell you what he thinks of the place.
There are two marinas in the town but we liked the one where we previously stayed - I believe the same one that MapisM is berthed.
So, with his help, I was able to contact the marina manager and he has offered us a really great deal.
Initially, we thought that we would just stay a month or so but his rate for the whole summer was an offer too good to miss.
And to top it all, I met the marina manager at the Dusseldorf boat show.
So, we have booked JW into Marine Sifredi from May right through to the end of August.
Great rates are available for long term booking like this.

This means that as soon as the weather is good enough, we will set off from Alcudia (hopefully around the 16th May) and head down to Carloforte.
Via Mahon where another great restaurant (the Japanese one) of course needs revisiting.
So, we should be in Carloforte somewhere round the 20th May.

MapisM has already started to "map out" some of the events in his area.
I believe that sometime towards the end of May/first week in June, the locals trap Blue Fin Tuna that swim along the coast between the island and the Sardinia mainland.
So we will at least aim to get there in time for that event - more food I believe.

Then, my SWMBO has to return for an event in London but I will probably stay out.
Not sure how long but there isn't anything really any need for me to be at home.



Now then - LETS THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET

Deleted User already has his boat in the area - so I'll let him comment on that.
MapisM is already there.
So, how about some others joining us?
How about the SoF contingent?
Closer and easier than the run that we are doing from Spain.
I say easier because once you are in Corsica, it is simple coastal cruises and lots of nice places on the way.

 

[colhel]

Are suggesting a Mediterranean beer and natter?
As an aside a friend is crewing on a sailboat from Ocean Village to Sardinia in early March, I have quietly asked if there is room for me and if there is I shall have a decision to make, it'll take about 3 weeks so lot of its and buts.

 

[RogerRat]

A few years ago, a group from this forum helped SWMBO and I bring JW back from Malta and one of our transit stops was the small port of Carloforte - the only town on a small island on the south west coast of Sardinia.
Those who helped may remember it.
We had previously left Tunisia where our experiences were (to say the least) not the happiest.
And it was a real breath of fresh air to get back to a civilised country.
Indeed, we found Carloforte such a nice place that our departure time was delayed whilst we enjoyed a very pleasant meal in a local family restaurant.
At the time, I thought - I'd like to revisit.

Luogo eccellente! :encouragement:

Looks, like you have a great summer in store. That little village where I knicked (borrowed) a tricycle was lovely, and one worth a re-visit. You don't need a hand to take 'JW' back do you?

Looking forward to reading up on the 'Sardinian wine & natter'.

R.R.

 

[Hurricane]

Luogo eccellente! :encouragement:

Looks, like you have a great summer in store. That little village where I knicked (borrowed) a tricycle was lovely, and one worth a re-visit. You don't need a hand to take 'JW' back do you?

Looking forward to reading up on the 'Sardinian wine & natter'.

R.R.

Yes, maybe, Roger
Season isn't planned yet so plenty of room on board.

Couldn't resist posting this pic though!!

Also I wonder if anyone knows what you were going to do in this pic?

 

[Hurricane]

Are suggesting a Mediterranean beer and natter?
As an aside a friend is crewing on a sailboat from Ocean Village to Sardinia in early March, I have quietly asked if there is room for me and if there is I shall have a decision to make, it'll take about 3 weeks so lot of its and buts.

Maybe
Lets see how things "pan out"

 

[jrudge]

Can you clarify the date range please ! We are visiting July time

 

[Lozzer]

Carloforte is one of my favourite stopovers the marina staff have always been friendly and very helpful.

Sadly I haven't been for a few years now as we tend to do longer legs on the P85 and we always tend to be 1/2 full when in the vicinity.

What is the situation regarding fuel? Have they put a fuel station in yet? We filled up in the little harbour in a P64 once the entrance was interesting.

 

[MapisM]

Most of you will know that MapisM is based there but I'll let him tell you what he thinks of the place.

Well, what I already said in another thread actually said it all, in a nutshell:
"My own plans, back in 2006 when I moved there from the Adriatic, were to spend a couple of season or three max, and then move on.
But as it happens, I'm now calling the place home"
In fact, both myself and swmbo soon fell in love with the place (that preserved its authenticity and its many peculiarities), the surrounding crystal clear sea, and last but not least the people - both the locals and also several other "mainlanders" who decided to establish their holiday homes down there.
Which btw is indeed a remarkable choice, when you think of all the alternatives that Italy can offer.
Of course, also the language helped feeling at home (particularly after a decade of Croatian cruising...), but I would think/hope that also anyone who doesn't speak Italian will find the place enjoyable.

Just a few other comments for the time being - more than happy to answer more specific questions anyone might have, of course.

1) Hurric, reading of what your son is keen on, it popped to my mind one thing that I didn't yet mention to you, but he might be interested in: a swimming competition held in the channel between Carloforte and mainland Sardinia. It's a 4nm or so crossing, which depending on the sea conditions can be pretty challenging. IIRC, it's held at the end of Jul/beginning of Aug, but we can stay in touch for further details if your son is interested.

2) The event associated with the blue fin tunas passage/catching is called "Girotonno", and it's normally held around the last week of May or the first of June (actual 2015 date still TBC). But for those interested in the rather unique dive inside the "tonnara" (a very wide perimeter of fixed nets deployed to catch these tunas), swimming together with literally hundreds of these huge fishes, that is normally possible from mid of May to mid of June.

3) Aside from obviously welcoming anyone who might be considering to come by boat from SoF or wherever (and the only thing I can tell them is that they won't regret the choice!), obviously for many forumites that's not an option - for instance, because they should circumnavigate Italy, or even cross Biscay and come from Gibraltar, or (heaven forbid!) come all the way from Tasmania.....!
Now, some of these folks already know that they have a permanent open invitation from myself, and all they should do is let me know when they would like to come.
But if anyone else is interested to see the place, there are several alternative accommodations in the island - hotels, B&B, or houses for rent - just drop me a pm for more details.
And for daily trips, any forumite will always be welcome on my boat, at least up to the 12 people she's rated for.

 

[MapisM]

What is the situation regarding fuel? Have they put a fuel station in yet? We filled up in the little harbour in a P64 once the entrance was interesting.

Nope, I'm afraid that in Carloforte the only fuel station is still the one in the little harbour for local fishing boats, North of the main harbour wall.
And even if (IIRC) Hurricane managed to go there with his P67, I definitely would NOT suggest to try it with anything bigger.
Otoh, last year they opened a fuel dock in Calasetta, a small but conveniently located marina, just 3.5 NM SE of Carloforte.
There are other fuel docks in Sant'Antioco, but unless you need to go there for other reasons (for instance, there's the only yard in Southern Sardinia equipped with a hoist that could lift your P85), Calasetta is much nearer.

 

[alt]

If I were able to get my little Cranchi Smeraldo down there, i'd love to join. Alas, I be stuck in the West of Ireland.

Have a blast, you guys... take plenty of pics... maybe someday it'll convince me to say "enough is enough" and move the boat down there.

 

[Hurricane]

What is the situation regarding fuel? Have they put a fuel station in yet? We filled up in the little harbour in a P64 once the entrance was interesting.

Nope, I'm afraid that in Carloforte the only fuel station is still the one in the little harbour for local fishing boats, North of the main harbour wall.
And even if (IIRC) Hurricane managed to go there with his P67, I definitely would NOT suggest to try it with anything bigger.
Otoh, last year they opened a fuel dock in Calasetta, a small but conveniently located marina, just 3.5 NM SE of Carloforte.
There are other fuel docks in Sant'Antioco, but unless you need to go there for other reasons (for instance, there's the only yard in Southern Sardinia equipped with a hoist that could lift your P85), Calasetta is much nearer.

It seems that little knowledge is a dangerous thing - it did look a bit tight at the time.

JW - entering the little fuel harbour

In fact, that was what Roger was sent to do - check the depth of the water at the fuel dock.

Maybe this summer we will fill up at Calasetta - I thought is was odd when I met the manager/owner of Marine Sifredi at Dusseldorf when he suggested fueling at Calasetta

 

[AIDY]

The Tri in Alcudia is a great event. Been for the last 4 years. Normally take the boat across. As one of our crew normally takes part... It's a good event for watching too. Starting early on the beach, in what I describe as the lagoon a short walk from the marina then transition to the bike course in the Main Street. And two lap on a run that goes through town. The bike ride is a bit mad in places I've done the ride a few times after the old town of polencia it rises up an up, and has a few nasty hair pin on the down sections.

Our boat is based across the bay in colonia sant pere. Worth checking out for a few night, we love it there.

Sadly we won't be in mallorca until later in the year.


But I wish your son good luck..... Nutter

 

[maybh1]

I shall look forward, with anticipation, to pictures:encouragement:

Although we have now put the boat up for sale, we will be heading out to Sardinia in late August in our Motorhome

Pictures posted on here last year (by Jimmy IIRC) had us enthused enough to do the trip to Corsica in September and it was stunning - a real adventure:ambivalence:

May
Xx

 

[AIDY]

Sorry for thread drift.... What the New Van now May.

 

[maybh1]

Sorry for thread drift.... What the New Van now May.

Burstner Aviano Impulse 840g

Take delivery 1st March.

Mr Maybh would not stretch to the Burstner Elegance saying I was just dazzled by the glitzy bits (as if)

Looking forward to some serious travelling when work allows without the added stress that goes with boating

First stop Italy on 26 March. A couple of weeks by Lake Iseo then Padua, Venice and Lake Garda

May
Xx

 

[AIDY]

Oooooo nice.... Enjoy your travels May.

 

[AndieMac]

,

..........3) Aside from obviously welcoming anyone who might be considering to come by boat from SoF or wherever (and the only thing I can tell them is that they won't regret the choice!), obviously for many forumites that's not an option - for instance, because they should circumnavigate Italy, or even cross Biscay and come from Gibraltar, or (heaven forbid!) come all the way from Tasmania.....!
Now, some of these folks already know that they have a permanent open invitation from myself, and all they should do is let me know when they would like to come.
But if anyone else is interested to see the place, there are several alternative accommodations in the island - hotels, B&B, or houses for rent - just drop me a pm for more details.
And for daily trips, any forumite will always be welcome on my boat, at least up to the 12 people she's rated for.

The alternative accommodation option and using your's (and maybe someone else's) as a day boat would be a good way to get some numbers into Carleforte at one time, without the commitment of long sea passages for those too far away, a good plan MM.
You might be able to organise a couple of different dates if the first one works well and is supported?

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Deleted User already has his boat in the area - so I'll let him comment on that.

Nothing really to add other than we are planning to keep our boat in S Sardinia this summer but we will be parked in Marina Capitana http://www.marinadicapitana.it/ita/home rather than Carloforte because its more convenient for Cagliari airport. However we plan to be in Carloforte for the San Pietro festival on 29th June and stay in Marina Sifredi for a few days and use it as a base to explore the area. We will have petem of this parish on board with his missus. We will be on our boat also from 1st to 10th April and most likely for a few days at the end of May/beginning June so if anybody is around in Carloforte during these periods or anywhere else in the vicinity, we'd be delighted to meet up

 

[MapisM]

Just to throw in also my own plans, I will definitely be around at the end of June, and also for the rest of the summer, up to at least the end of Oct - with just some short trips back home in between.
But this year I don't know if I'll be able to put the (now sheltered) old tub back in the water by the end of May, in time for the "Girotonno" event.
I would very much like to, and maybe I will (depending on several things), but I can't yet be positive about that.
Anyhow, glad to answer other questions about the place that anyone might be interested in, in the meantime!

 

[Pinnacle]

Mr and Mrs Pinnacle have accepted MapisM's kind invitation and will be on board with him and his SWMBO during the first week of September. MapisM has promised brilliant weather and unlimited wine. What's not to like?