5th September 2012

Location: Magra

Destination: Palmeira Island

Travel Distance: Approx 15nm

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Idyllic day today! Blue skies and hot sun, we packed our things and checked out of camping river. We have the morning to ourselves before Giorgio has to take Mojo out of the water- we will wrap her up and leave her here with locks in and the collect her in the morning- I cocked up the booking and checked us out a day earlier so we are having to spend the night in a hotel ( bit of luxury) I say, and then will collect her early in the morning.

We headed over to the Island of Palmeira – provisions are depleted, so a cold chicken schnitzel and a hunk of cheese for breakfast whilst watching a totally naked man cruise past….. He was old….

There is a swell running, so we moved around the corner so that we cold have a swim – 2 super yachts had the same idea! The larger one had an English ensign, and it’s twin ribs were keeping noses parkers at bay. Lots of water toys were unloaded and were later seen buzzing around – lazy d we think it was. The other super yacht was flying the USA ensign….

We return to the marina on the dot of 2;30 and headed off to get the trailer – this was rushed as Shaun was worried that Giorgio was going to lift Mojo with the cradles – we returned and he had – fortunately no damage caused by the crane, but once she had added safely on the trailer, they quickly realised that one of the cradle straps was tapped between the rollers of the trailer and the boat, the spent 15 minutes releasing her… If only they had used Mojo’s proper straps and this could have been avoided!

We knew that Mojo was listing and that there was a tear on her starboard tube that could be attributing to the list,  we were not prepared for how  much water she had stopped – at least 40 litres!  The rubbing strip is also coming away too….. Once Shaun began wrapping her up we realised that the other tube is perishing too – time for Mojo to have an expensive operation this winter…..

So here we are at the end of a fantastic and adventurous fortnight for Mojo – she has enjoyed the warm waters of the med beneath her, whilst amazing views of the rugged coastline have kept us entertained. We have cruised into Portofino with Mojo proudly moored right in the harbour next to some huge and impressive boats. We have made Portovenere our safe haven  when coming from the coast, and we have swum around Mojo while she is moored in some of the most beautiful bays. This holiday has been an incredible learning curve for the three of us – with a little bit of courage we have fulfilled one of our life’s ambitions and paved the way for the next adventure – Balleric Islands 2013 – here we come!

Most Beautiful Sight: Portovenere

Creatures seen:  jellyfish

Top Speed: 37kn

Worst Sight: Mojo listing in Portofino

Last evening on the River Magra