Irish Family and Circumnavigation

Well, we did it. Around 450 nautical miles. Five (leisurely) fabulous weeks. We 100% circumnavigated our first island and then some. We couldn’t get enough of Sardinia.

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To help us finish our cruise around Sardinia, we were joined by Conor’s brother (Darragh), our sister-in-law (Cathy), and our two Irish nephews (Cormac and Luke). Cormac was the only newbie, but he took to being on the boat in an easy instant.

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The gang left their home in Dublin before the crack of dawn, flew direct to Cagliari, and bused out to Poetto where we had been anchored hiding out from strong winds. We timed it just so such that we could pull up to the fuel dock to fill up and collect the travelers at the same time. (Conor’s new favorite trick this summer.) There was no rest for the weary as we then instantly took off to sail with the wind around the southeastern tip of the island and escape strong winds we didn’t want to mess with.

During their week with us, we spent three nights in different marinas. Santa Maria Navarrese was new to us and a nice stop. We returned to La Calleta, where last time we celebrated a wedding anniversary and this time we celebrated a birthday. We once again enjoyed the late night street market there. For a final night, we returned to the neat town of La Maddalena on the northwestern island by the same name. 

On Land

In between our land stops, we spent the remaining four nights on the hook. Anchoring out was a new experience for all of the Dubliners, and they were completely sold on it. How can you not love instant access to the sea, gorgeous backdrops, peace and quiet, and starry nights? We settled into an easy rhythm with water activities dominating the week. With so many amazing places along the eastern coast of Sardinia, we had a minimum of one swim stop a day, often two. 

Water Activities

So Many Beaches

Impressive Rock Formations and Caves

We had plenty of fun, chill time on Sabática as well. Reading, writing and guitar playing were popular pastimes. Toward the end of the week, we also taught the Dubliners how to play one of our favorite family card games. (For those in the know, let’s just say that “Oh Shit” became the new “Werewolf” and each remaining night was required to have a round. 😉 ) The gang really enjoyed dinners onboard as well, much to my delight.

Boat Time

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We were having so much fun, the week really flew by. Our last stop was La Maddalena, and from there the Dubliners took a ferry back to ‘mainland’ Sardinia where they would travel south via train and bus to enjoy another week on the island. On the same day, we headed north to once again cross the Strait of Bonifacio to begin our journey along the east coast of Corsica then back to mainland Italy. It was sad to say goodbye to both the Dubliners and to Sardinia. We’ve already promised ourselves that we will be back!