Despite numerous pilot whale sightings, countless dolphin escorts, ocean crossings and thousands of nautical miles at the helm, this year’s crossing from the continent to Corsica saw Skipper’s first whale, not to mention wind, wonderful wind that pushed us across in excellent time.

A humpback, 15+ meters long – longer than the boat at any rate – appeared about 80 meters ahead of us just to starboard of our bow, blew, submerged, reappeared, blew, repeat 10x, shouting “Whale! Whale! Whale!” (on its first blow – not 10x!).

That more or less ticked the box for a great holiday!

A mass family flotilla (Khujada in convoy with two other boats full of cousins and in-laws) set sail from Toulon in late July, arriving in Calvi and descending the cote d’or, as we somehow stuck together through crew changes, navigation planning, and 36(!) degree heat.
Corsica offered as warm a welcome as last year: Girolata and its cows, Scandola’s unspoiled landscapes, Le Stagnola’s party vibe, the golden sands of Cala d’Orzu and Anse de Roccapina, taking turns to host sundowners like any good Caribbean anchorage.
Les Iles Lavezzi are our last spot before crossing to Maddalena and Sardinia. More please!