South of France to Malta

poter

poter

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 Feb 2002
Messages
2,127
Location
Still going south currently in Corsica for winter
www.fairhead.com
I want to sail Shady from Port Napoleon to Malta (now based here) finalising a berth next few days.

I have no charts here and I dont like using Google earth (bit like the guy with the AA road map!!) Anyone done the trip? what route? time of year for best winds? time?
Shady will be back in the water around April 2011 so anytime after that.
 
Assuming you will get proper charts ... And whether you want to go in one or two big jumps or dilly-dally through the many wonderful places to see along the way.

Either head east towards the Ile Porquerolle (about 70nM from PSL), then across to Corsica, down the west coast. From there which ever side of Sardinia you like and turn left at the bottom. Visit Cagliari if you have the time. You could then either go via Sicily and sail south from about Marina di Ragusa, or across to Tunisia and then east through the Pelagic Islands.

It does depend a bit on the time of year, but April is slightly early in that the mistral will still be blowing strongly and might give you challenges until you are through the Bonifacio strait. It should have settled by mid-late May. You will need good forecasting through VHF/Navtex for this northern part of the adventure.

We have done much of this ground but have taken 3 years over it, including large amounts of the Italian mainland. This summer we sailed from Rome, round the top of Corsica, down the west coast, through the straits, down Sardinia and the south coast of Sicily to Malta, Elba in late May and arriving Malta in August. See our blog at the link below if you want to know about all that.

We have not so far been impressed with Malta itself as a sailing ground - lots of swell in the (crowded) anchorages and actually it's tiny! But good consistent breezes and a splendid jump-off point for other adventures.
 
Thanks

Pip, Sarah.

Thanks that is what I needed, I could plan my own route but just wanted to see if someone else has done it to give me some colour.

Are you in Malta now?

I luv the place, yes its small but on shore its a riot & of course there is no language barrier, as a jumping off point it would seem ideal with Scily & the Italian coast not being too distant & as you say north Africa is not to far away.

I do have a problem in South of France with weather forecasts but no doubt I will sort before the trip.

I still think the South of France is a great sailing area with the Callanques in particular being spectacular.

I will have a look at your blog to see what other adventures you have had.

Poter:D
 
We did that trip this year (after the French canals) and are now happily ensconced in Malta. Left Port St Louis early Sept and did west Corsica, East Sardinia and South Sicily. No great dramas and plenty of good/interesting places. Just one thing to add on weather; Italian VHF channel 68 broadcasts continuous forecast in Italian and English. Only covers next 48 hours and the computer generated style takes a bit of getting used to but can be very useful.
And just a word on overwintering in Malta; the last of the marinas will be privatised next year and, if you can get a space (not easy), it could be considerably more expensive.
Ian and Melanie (Jigsaw)
 
Have done the trip about 5 times:-

Usually 1st stop Port Mon in Iles de Hyeres

Then across to either Calvi or Ajaccio

If Calvi to Alghero - Ajaccio to Carloforte

Carloforte/Ajaccio to Bizerte

Bizerte to Pantelleria

Pantelleria to Msida.

All single handed in a small boat, mainly anchoring, no runs more than 24 hours in a 30' LWL boat.

Longer run, but more relaxed is from Port Mon to Bastia (usually use the marina to the N) or Porto Azzuro on Elba - then to Fiumicino - Acciriola - Messina St - Siracusa - Msida.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top