David's Diary: Saturday, June 1, 2002

Corsica: Propriano to Baie de Crovani

We are going to spend the weekend traveling from Propriano to Calvi. Today we are up before dawn to cast off lines and head out into the Mediterranean. Weather conditions are settled and we motor into a flat sea as the sun comes up over the mountains behind us. Jocelyn and I take first shift and as the sun starts to rise we get a light daytime breeze that lets us sail for a while.

Ile de Gargalu

While preparing for today's passage we read about a small passage between an island and the mainland part of Corsica. The passage sounded interesting and in the pilot guide it sounded like it was at least 100 meters wide. As we approached the passage we saw two other sailboats coming in the other direction, so we felt that we were safe. As we got closer and closer the walls on either side closed in and I just aimed the bow of Dragonsinger and the middle of the gap. The passage was narrower than 100 meters. It was much, much narrower. Jocelyn and Karalee sat on the bow and looked at the bottom through the clear waters. At the narrowest point I looked over the side and two huge rocks were just meters from the side of the boat. I asked Jocelyn and Karalee why they hadn't warned me. They replied, "We thought you knew about the rocks!" Jocelyn was excited to be in such close quarters. For me, I think we'll take the long way around if we are ever going by again. It was beautiful, but just a little too close for comfort.

Baie de Crovani

Through the afternoon we motored North until we came to the Baie de Crovani. While open to the Mediterranean in the west, the holding is good in eight meters of water. We are the only boat anchored in front of a large pebble beach. We explore ashore, check the weather forecast once more, and then settle in for a perfect night all alone at anchor off Corsica as the sun sets over the hills surrounding the bay. After dark we set up the portable computer on the hatch and we all cuddle together in the cockpit as we watch a Tin Tin video under the skies in our floating home.