Rib adventure in the Med

[Trimix]

I've just come back from 10 days of RIB adventure in the Med.

So if anyone is interested, or wondering about taking their boat down there, read on.

I did a little bit of planning, mostly using Google Earth for pictures, a proper map and a book on the area:


Corsica is in the top left, Sardinia at the bottom. As you can see, there are loads of islands between the two that needed exploring.

Knowing my fuel consumption (1.65 litres per Nautical Mile) I could plan the route and ensure I could call into the marinas for fuel if needed.

I keep the boat in Corsica, so its just a Sleazy Jet flight away and an email to my mate who puts the boat in the water, all clean and ready for the week:



We set off the following day in very hot weather - 35 degrees. This was due to a hot wind coming up from North Africa, which gave the sky a kind of hazy look. Sea was pretty flat despite the wind.

We left our Marina (Proprianno) which is on the West of Corsica, halfway up, motored south along the coast until we got to Bonifacio where we stopped for lunch and some fuel:



Its probably the most amazing Marina in the Med, a natural harbour with a medieval town on the cliff top and full of super yachts and some interesting RIBS:



Fuel was 1.44 Euros a litre, which is about £1.06 - pretty cheap !

Leaving the port you can see the houses clinging to the cliffs:



On the way to Sardinia there are loads of Islands to visit, some inhabited others not. So we stopped off for a picnic and quick swim whenever we got too hot or hungary:

[Trimix]

The water was very clear and warm. A few places we had some company, but most of the time you could spend the day there on your own.



We ended up in La Maddalena, a small island off the north coast of Sardinia and were greeted by the local (Mafia) Harbour Master and his mate. Complete with the obligatory invisible life jackets everyone wears in the Med:



This was a great place. Italian coffee, ice cream and pizzas

The view from my hotel, where I could keep the boat:



Italian coast guard boats:



After a few nights exploring the place, drinking the wine and eating the food, we motored back a different way and found some more places worthy of staying:



Some restaurants you could turn up for dinner at by boat:



Finally made it back to Corsica after several days later:



I'm now back home, depressed and counting the days till Christmas when I will be back there again for some more.

[Pikey Dave]

Cracking write up & pics, sort of a warm water Gurnard😄


.....sh1t happens.......

[Jeff]

Great post and photos ,,,,,,
Thanks

[mick]

Excellent stuff it's on the to do list

[Trimix]

Well if any one finds themselves down in Corsica let me know. I'm usually there a few times a year.

Your all welcome to join me on the boat for a day or two.

The place is flipping brilliant. Loads of little coves only accessible by boat, chased by Dolphins most days and sea warmer than a British Summer

Sleazy Jet was £350 return for two people.

[jambo]

Grt stuff tremendous write up.


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[Harrys Game]

Wow, another one for the bucket list. Regards Jim

[scar]

Top write up and pics.
Thank You for sharing.

[MatFromPoland]

Originally Posted by Trimix

Well if any one finds themselves down in Corsica let me know. I'm usually there a few times a year.

Your all welcome to join me on the boat for a day or two.

The place is flipping brilliant. Loads of little coves only accessible by boat, chased by Dolphins most days and sea warmer than a British Summer

Sleazy Jet was £350 return for two people.

Is it this area ? I have been planning Greece again but maybe ...

1. I like to join but have no chance to keep up 5.4 (115HP) versus 8+ and twin 175HP
2. Have you been winter time here ? I'm thinking to go for Christmas somewhere (not sit again at house)

Thanks for sharing

[Trimix]

Hi Mat, your right - that is the area.

You would be fine keeping up, I didn't race round too much

Lots of places to explore and loads of small islands, all worth a visit.

I have been in winter time, last year I was there. The temperature ranged from 12 degrees in the morning to 23 on the warmest day. Sunny the whole time and the sea ranged from flat to mildly exciting.

I will be there this winter for a couple of weeks and probably re-visit some of what I did. Also planning on checking out some places I've not been to.

Next year I may do a lap of Corsica and I also want to cross over to Italy mainland and perhaps Sicily as well.

[MatFromPoland]

I have to set up my mind and calculate everything.

To Greece I need to tow trailer only 1000 km Warsaw-Triest and continue trip via ferry (which is fun and can be count as vacation also). To Livorno I have much more (1600 I suppose).

Not sure if it is good idea to tow a boat via Alps during winter time.
Vienna-Graz-Slovenia is easy trip via summer but have never been here in winter.

Another possibility is airplane plus rent a boat. But my family is 5 persons so car + ferry is almost equal or less than airplane.

I have not been during Winter in Greece also.
I know that it can be one day 10BF, a few days 2BF.

Most temptations is good season for fishing (calamari's, doradas, ...).

Thanks again for sharing. I was sure that Itally, Korsyka are full packed of boats

[Trimix]

When I took my boat to Corsica last year I got the ferry from Marseille to Corsica. But it would need planning as you have some distance to do.

I would think about keeping it there for some time, then just fly out for a week or so whenever you have the time.

Corsica / Italy are very busy in Aug, which for me is way too hot. May, June or Sept and Oct are great. Christmas is very quiet, but still sunny and warm.

[MatFromPoland]

I used below mentioned tool to explore Greece coast.
I have found that it covered also Sardinia's area
Aerial photos & videos of vacation destinations - TripInView

Click "detail photo" on the top of picture. On the left side of the screen you shall have a map. If you see on the left some advert. just click small blue button labeled MAP on the center left.

You can see pictures or even movie (made from helicopter)
Aerial photos & videos of vacation destinations - TripInView



>>>>>

Just click on red points or red line on the map (on the left) and next to click "fly me over" button to see pictures.
Sometimes it changes view so look if you have button "detailed picture" on bottom of picture. If it shows click it.

[Trimix]

Oooh, that's pretty cool.

I will use it to plan my two weeks this Christmas.

Its even got a video of my home port: Aerial photos & videos of vacation destinations - TripInView

[Brian]

It's just as good underwater as well......

[MatFromPoland]

Originally Posted by Trimix

Oooh, that's pretty cool.

I will use it to plan my two weeks this Christmas.

Its even got a video of my home port: Aerial photos & videos of vacation destinations - TripInView

Have you been on Christmas in Corsica ?
How was the weather / temperatures.
Did you tow and use boat ?

I'm looking for some destination for Christmas this year

[lakelandterrier]

Hi Trimix,
Great write up an pictures, sounds as if you had a really good time.

What did you clock up miles and engine hours-wise?

LT