3rd - 7th July 2010

By morning the wind was up and our quiet anchorage wasn't so quiet any more! Most of the other boats had moved by the time we were up and about, including the yacht we had recognised. We too upped anchor and nipped across to the far side of the very wide bay we were in, and discovered that this was where most of those who had previously been alongside us had gone. So we did invite Steve and Karyn from Threshold (named after the Moody Blues "Threshold of a Dream", in case you're wondering) on board, along with Wendy and Valario from another yacht.
Although our new position was far quieter and more comfortable, it was in line with a marina to and from which boats sped past us at ridiculous speeds. The amount of wake they generated had to be seen to be believed - whilst we were all sitting in the cockpit drinking coffee, one motorboat came a tad too close and the wave it threw out caused everything to shake and rattle on Zaffina, including the vinegar bottle which shook itself onto the floor where it exploded, covering the galley with its contents. Our guests spent half their time with us picking up pieces of glass and clearing pools of vinegar - I'm sure they won't forget their visit for a while!
We stayed where we were for the afternoon and in the early evening, went on board Threshold for drinks with our American friends. They put us to shame with the amount of exploring they have done through northern Europe and now they're intent on discovering the south as well, so no doubt our paths will cross again.
We were happy to move on the following morning, especially as the wind finally dropped overnight and the conditions were perfect. We ambled along the coast at a leisurely speed, passing the celebrated Porto Cervo and eventually ending up in Cala di Volpe. As we nosed in, the marineros suggested that we should tie up to a buoy - it would only cost us 380 euros for the night! Instead, we opted to drop the anchor, which was free of charge, and watch the comings and goings from the mega yachts moored nearby.
Another lazy afternoon was followed by dinner at the Cala di Volpe hotel (presidential suite a mere 31,000 euros a night) which provided good food and wonderful service!
Yesterday we moved on again, another gentle potter down the coast until we found the most fantastic anchorage - a long stretch of sandy beach backed by a towering rock the size of Gibraltar - where we spent the afternoon.
Coming into Olbia was an interesting experience; the thrusters still aren't working and the wind was blowing us sideways. It took two attempts to get in, but we're now safely tied up in a rather nice, very quiet port and we've just discovered that one of the best restaurants in Italy is just a stone's throw (or maybe a taxi ride) away! And I've cleaned Zaffina from bow to stern in readiness for Tim and Annabelle, who're even now on their way from Jersey!