This suggested itinerary can be modified as you wish to make the most of the weather at the time.
The coastline and distances between anchorages lends itself well to seven days of absorbing all the elements of sailing, combined with daytime swims and overnights in stunning bays, taking the dinghy to restaurants ashore. Or berthing in one of the many picturesque town marinas.
Day 1
Arrive on the boat in the port of Mahon, get settled with a welcome drink on board before choosing one of the many excellent restaurants for dinner.
Day 2
Breakfast on board or ashore as you wish, then an introduction to the functions of the boat, a safety briefing and the use of the safety gear on the boat.
Then a leisurely sail to Cala Grao where the harbour entrance is dominated by the Castle of San Felipe. The crew can practise their steering under way while we discuss the effects of the wind on the boat and the various points of sail.
Day 3
After a discussion about navigation for the route and how the wind will affect our plan we will proceed northwards, sailing along the beautiful coastline of the Nature Park Albufera des Graw.
We’ll take a lunch and swimming stop before anchoring in the bay or tying up in the port of Fornells, which has exquisite seaside restaurants specialising in the preparation of tasty fish and seafood dishes.
During the day we’ll practise holding a course on the different points of sail and begin to explore the manoeuvres of tacking and gybing.
We’ll also look at communications and navigation equipment as we go.
Day 4
This is often the longest day of the week. We’ll start with a navigation plan allowing you to brush up on your chartwork, considering the effects of wind and current, taking into account the characteristics of our boat.
The distance is 24nm along a varied and deeply indented coastline with multiple attractive calas, great for a midday swim and light lunch, before arriving in Ciutadella, the islands second largest town at the head of a deep fjord. The town has a rich architectural heritage and a very pleasing atmosphere.
En-route we’ll practise some knot tying as well as considering how to deal with a ‘man overboard’ event while all the time practising steering and learning more about boat control.
Day 5
Now on the southern coast of the island, we head east to either the Cala Galdana or Cala Macarella. Here there are plenty of choices for eating ashore, with beaches that offer both busy and quiet options.
Departing the port we’ll find somewhere to practise controlling the boat in restricted spaces and brush up on ‘man overboard’ recovery, which will involve lots of tacking and gybing .
Day 6
Another day of brushing up on sailing skills while enjoying the scenery and going over all you’ve learned along the way.
Tonight, we’ll be in or close to the Cala Binibeca, an area popular with tourists due to fine white sand that contrasts with turquoise water. Binibeca is a small fishing village, with completely restored streets and whitewashed houses, where silence often reigns in an area known for its beautifully restored villages.
Day 7
A morning swim off the back of the boat, breakfast and coffee, then an easy day going over all we have dealt with during the week, before the last night ashore in the bay of Mahon.
Lytchett House, Poole, Dorset, UK, BH16 6FA
Tel: +44 20 3807 3801
WhatsApp/voice calls: +61 401 181898