SY Equinox 2026

The plan was to move on to Termoli today, so all the preparations were made, and the marina guys came to help us cast off.  All the lines were released and forward drive was engaged, but we did not budge.  It was clear that we were sitting on the bottom, and with the albeit tiny tide still falling, it soon became clear that we weren't going anywhere soon. Over the next hour or so, the boat leaned a little more to one side, obviously pivoting on the keel. A guy from one of the other boats came, and helping translate for us to the marinaros, whose English is at about the same level as our Italian. He was asking questions about the boat, and obviously impressed with the capability it offered.  "Your could go anywhere with that boat" he said, to which I replied "yes anywhere.... except there (pointing to about half a boat length in front) and right now. " The marina guys were mortified and explained that this was an almost unpresidented low for the water, clearly a ...

The routing decision is made, and we head to the Italian side of the Adriatic.  The weather forecast for the islands towards the north in Croatia shows very strong winds over the days that we need to make progress, so we are off to Italy. Saturday was the last day of preparation, and topping up the fuel supply was needed. On visits to the town (?) of Ubli, the depth of the water at the fuel dock had been verified (just enough), so the outing of the day was a trip there for diesel, all achieved with the minimum of excitement.  The fuel was (relatively) inexpensive as well, which was a bonus. The fear that someone would have taken our prime spot on the jetty while we were away proved to be unfound, in fact the only other boat in the bay left as we returned, so we were alone again.  Time for walks around the bay and coffee in a nearby café. Time for photos on this journey. Until you get to the right angle the old submarine pen is invisible. Sunday 3rd was the day to cross ba...

For the first night at Ubli we were not alone,  there were 4 other boats at anchor and a gullet type boat tied up to the key for a group of touring cyclists.  We have seen these here before, clearly it is a regular spot on their tours, and given the scenery and the lack of cars on the roads, it seems like an ideal spot for them.  This particular group were fairly noisy, during the evening, singing popular songs in a rather discordant fashion.    In the morning all of the other boats moved on, and we were left completely alone.  We were dissatisfied with our anchor position, especially given that stronger winds are expected.  The anchor was reset 3 times before we were happy. Even then you do start to wonder if everybody else knows something that you don't.  Our conclusion was that the other boats were charter boats and had either been instructed to get closer to base, or had independently concluded that they should do, in order to be safely back b...

We contemplated just forgetting the world and staying for ever in Polace, but eventually reality kicked in and we set off for another of our favourite anchorages, at Ubli on the island of Lastovo.  There is bad weather coming over the next few days, and we are confident of the shelter that this enclosed bay will offer.  It also has good holding for the anchor, so hopefully all will be well. It was a perfect day of sailing, with enough wind to sail properly and it coming from a helpful direction.  As there was no pressing time target, we just enjoyed the relaxed conditions.  Not far from our starting point we were joined by a lone dolphin.  We have seen dolphins each day we have sailed, along with turtles as we crossed the Adriatic.  Some of the dolphins have played in the bow wave for a while, and todays one seemed content to do the same, even though we were not going fast. When we encounter dolphins, there is always the dilemma of whether to just watch and...

The schedule dictates that we move on, and todays heading was to a well sheltered bay on the island of Mljet.  We have visited this bay before and were able to contact one of the konoba (taverna) owners in advance to book the use of their mooring buoy.  This is a lovely guy that we were recommended to by our good Croatian friends.  Apparently he told them that these days he only cooks for old friends when the restaurant is not open.  Our friends asked to become "new" old friends and we have now joined this exclusive club.  As the restaurant is not open, Polo volunteered to bring the food to the boat, which was most welcome.  He said that we would have to eat from the fish menu,  the menu being whatever he had caught that day. The food duly arrived, at the agreed time and contained a starter, a main course enough for 2 meals, and bottle of chilled whine and 2 miniature bottle of a local digestif. Polo said that the fish had been caught within the last 3...

Now we are really getting on.  We left Montenegro this morning via the Customs dock and the formalities were all carried out with minimal fuss and maximum good cheer. The entrance to the bay is guarded by forts on each side, presumably they once complimented each other in denying access to the Bay of Kotor.  Now however, one is in Montenegro and the other in Croatia.  Both look forbidding, but as far as we can tell, they are no longer used for their original purpose. Travelling up the coast of Croatia, eventually we get to a point where the mobile phone signal realises that we are back in the EU, and we can start to have a more reliable and consistent service. The sailing (motoring) was very straightforward,  keep the land on the right and stay outside the islands.   Montenegro has such fantastic scenery On arrival in Dubrovnik, we encountered a fleet of racing yachts and had to pick our moment to cross through the pack.  We are very sympathetic to the...