Just me, the cats, and a bay full of friends 🫶🏻

Julie

At sunrise, we are already up on deck, ready to lift the anchor and sail from Alcudia to Pollença. It seemed like a great idea at the time, although after a short night thanks to a cozy barbecue in our cockpit, it feels a bit less appealing. There is a light breeze, so we hoist the sails and sail on a beam reach towards Alcanada. But as soon as we reach the shelter of Coll Baix, the wind completely disappears. We start the engine and lower the sails. As we enter the bay of Pollença, it immediately feels familiar. Our friends are already there: On Y Va, Muhuhu and New Hope. Donna is with us too, they joined the early morning sail. Greg is leaving for Belgium in two days to surprise his sister on her wedding day. In the meantime, he gives me a short but important briefing on how to manage the power usage, which valves to close in case of emergency, how to let out more anchor chain, and most importantly how to start the outboard motor of our dinghy. On June 12, the moment arrives. I start the dinghy’s outboard and drop Greg off ashore. From that point on, I am alone on the boat. Well, almost alone, since our cats are with me and there are still friends anchored in the bay who I know I can count on. The days that follow are actually really pleasant. Life on board feels calm and familiar and I start to truly enjoy the solitude. In the evenings, I often join the neighbours for dinner. We have cozy pasta and pizza nights, Caetlin invites me for her delicious quiche, and afterward we play card games. I feel truly grateful for these warm moments and the support around me. The outboard motor remains a challenge. It fails to start more often than not, which is frustrating. Luckily, Ben is always patient and keeps explaining what I need to do and what to look out for. One evening, I notice a thunderstorm building over the mountains. To be safe, I let out more anchor chain and keep a close eye on the weather. Thankfully, the storm stays away. Aside from a bit of rain and some gusty wind around four in the morning, everything stays calm. My anchor alarm became my closest companion that week. Before I know it, the week has passed and I receive a message from Greg saying he has landed. Soon after, I pick him up at the dinghy dock. George and Sinead from Muhuhu had already left earlier that day and we feel that our goodbyes to the others are coming closer as well. That evening, we celebrate Oriane’s birthday from Bee Sailing. Slowly everyone begins making plans to sail to Menorca. We first need to return to Alcudia to install our new solar panel and to celebrate the splash day of Isa and Benji from Malou. But before all that, we host one last evening on our boat. We cook Asian food and enjoy the atmosphere, the laughter and the never-ending conversations. Saying goodbye is hard. We have spent six weeks almost constantly with Donna and New Hope and at least four weeks with the others. Of course, we know we will see each other again, probably somewhere in Greece, but the farewell still feels strange and a little empty. We lift the anchor and head back to Alcudia to take care of a few final things. Once that is done, we plan to follow the others and continue our journey east.

Boat & Crew

El Burro

Swallow Craft Design Group, Swift 33

Gregory Ramis Ferriol

Owner

Finn

Pet, Male

Nelly

Pet, Female

Julie

Owner