David's Diary: Wednesday, May 22, 2002

Corsica: Bonifacio to Propriano

Gulf de Valinco

We left Bonifacio with a weather forecast that had winds out of the southeast at Force 2-4 and slight seas. This was the right direction to push us around the south end of Corsica and up the west coast. Things started well, but as the morning progressed the wind started increasing past 25 knots of true wind. Aboard Dragonsinger we are still struggling to control the boat when heading downwind in this much wind and sea. We furled the headsail, reduced the main, and hung on for the ride. As we rounded the south end of Corsica we ended up beating into the wind, but before long we were in the wind shadow of Corsica and powering instead of sailing.

Quiet Time

Our goal was the village of Propriano in the Gulf de Valinco. The large gulf is open to the west, but inside the breakwater at Propriano we were safe. The gulf is fringed with sandy beaches that make it a popular tourist destination. We plan to do some school work here and use Propriano as a base to explore more of Corsica.

After a trying day on the water we all need our own space to slow down and relax. All of us onboard Dragonsinger enjoy reading and in the late afternoon light Kevin carves out his own niche in the cockpit as he reads one of his Hardy Boy books.