Monday 20th March we left Portofino heading south down the Italian coast. We had a number of options for our destination but we decided whilst the weather and wind were in our favour we should head as far south as possible.

Starting at 9am we sailed and motored 62 miles taking 7 hours to end up in Viareggio, a lovely little town mostly known for its shipbuilding and refurbishment facilities – there were some HUGE boats there.

It was the first time we had brought the boat into a harbour on our own and I was to say the least a little anxious. Getting help from the harbour staff is always hit and miss so you have to be prepared to do everything yourself and then just pray! This time though we were in luck and Sergio and his team were on hand to take the lines. This was our end of day sigh of relief!

The next day we went clothes shopping!! Hooray! Not exactly Pretty Woman – more ‘I would like to be warm and dry during these long crossings where the wind can be bitter’ clothing! This was the end result! Very Glam!

And we used the on board washing machine for the first time – very exciting!

After all that excitement we decided rather than move on that afternoon we would wait until the morning so we had a chilled evening on board having a picnic dinner and prosecco.

The next morning we set off for Elba, the Italian island where Napoleon was exiled to. This was to be another 60 mile 8 hour trek but 2 hours into it we decided to head directly for the island of Corsica. This would only add another hour and we knew that bad weather was bearing in and we had to get to Corsica to meet family. Jacques’ brother Pierre and his wife Catherine are to join us on Friday 24th so being cautious was the best decision.

We arrived in Macinaggio, north Corsica at around 4.15 and although the harbour office did not shut until 5.30 no one came to help! It was a little scary and at one point I’m pretty sure Jacques suggested that I take a line and jump off of the boat on to the quay but I’m telling myself I couldn’t possibly have heard this correctly what with the wind and the waves!!

Meatballs Pasta for dinner with a fab Italian red wine – we were both knackered but so pleased to be in Corsica.

Seems to me we have not yet once kept to the destination plan of the day but that is half the fun of sailing!

Next adventure is escaping the bad weather (Mistral) that is heading our way! Last week in Macinaggio they recorded a gust of wind at 180 MPH!!!!