When we woke we found the wind had almost died down although the sea was still surging. However, we were able to move the boat nearer the pontoon and get ashore. So it was to the chandlery, launderette, showers and again to Carrefour. For lunch we had chicken and vegetable quiche from the patisserie. We spent the afternoon preparing the boat for our departure in the morning – removing the many ropes and fenders which had been necessary and plotting the route. Then we took a walk in the old town which was very nice once we were in it – not so nice looking at it with the monstrous buildings behind it – with narrow streets and many shops. Napoleon was born here and buried here so there was a statue and his tomb also a road named after him and several restaurants bearing his name in some form or other.
We had a meal in a restaurant overlooking the marina. We both had a plat de fruits de mer to start, and then M had steak and A had crab rillettes. All very nicely cooked and presented followed by raspberries in pistachio cream tart for A and sorbet with fresh fruit for M. Scrabble Ann won.
In Ajaccio before the storm came through. On the left of the picture is the white buoy to which we were tied by long ropes.
Engineer Michael under Andreu's instruction
The old town
May 31
Up early and away by 8 am. Headed south out of Ajaccio (pronounced with soft ‘c’s) and made for Bonifacio. The conditions were lovely, calm sea, no wind and bright sunshine. The coastal scenery was stunning all the way. We made a small diversion to anchor off an island in the Southern Group of the Maddalena Islands off Sardinia for a swim for Ann and coffee. The sea is still cold at 17 degrees and the wetsuit was necessary. Then into Bonifacio on the south of Corsica, fuelled and tied up. Fishy salad for lunch, a snooze followed by a walk and a climb up to the citadel for the view. Bonifacio is completely enclosed behind high cliffs and so very settled from the sea although winds can channel down. It is smaller than Ajaccio or Calvia and if all goes well tomorrow will be our last port in Corsica before we make for the Italian coast. Avocado prawn, spicy soya steaks & veg followed by strawberries.
Our swim and coffee anchorage
Nobody is to mention beached whales
The view of Bonifacio from the Citadel
Zoomed in on Silueta