👉Gusts, Guests & Going with the Flow
Menorca delivered sunshine, surprises, and a loo with a mind of its own.
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6/12/20264 min read
Arriving safely in Ciutadella felt wonderfully familiar. We slipped into our berth without stress, lines on, fenders out, and both of us breathing that quiet sigh of we’ve made it.
With arrangements sorted, we welcomed Simon and Debbie — friends from home who happened to be holidaying in Menorca — aboard Novera. We’ve talked to Simon endlessly about our plans over the years, so he was especially keen to see the reality of Tim’s long‑held dream.
They arrived armed with nibbles and drinks, and we expected the usual: a quick tour, a toast, then a wander into town. Four hours later, we were still in the cockpit. They’d FaceTimed the kids, interrogated us lovingly about boat life, and settled in as if they’d always lived aboard. It’s funny how quickly you forget that what now feels “normal” to us is still a novelty to others. They were completely absorbed by the simple joy of sitting on Novera watching the harbour’s comings and goings.
We did eventually make it into town and had a fabulous evening — one of those unexpected days that ends up being a highlight.
After a day’s delay thanks to the Tramuntana — that cold, dry, powerful north wind that barrels down from the mountains — we changed plans. Instead of heading to Fornells in the north, we turned south in search of shelter.
Sailing teaches you to make a Plan A, prepare a Plan B, and fully expect the weather gods to hand you a Plan C.
The crossing was windier than expected, but Novera proved herself yet again. With just the genoa and one reef in, she hit 8 knots in 22 knots of wind. It was an exhilarating sail — and any lingering doubts about avoiding the north were blown away in the gusts we met in the south.
The bay we found was stunning: crystal‑blue water, cliffs alive with birds, and a small sandy beach. A few boats were already anchored, so the usual anchoring stress kicked in… but the hook set first time! We swam over to check, as always, and it was beautifully dug in.
So, our few days were set while we waited for a weather window to return to the mainland. Some bad news meant a quick trip home, so Roses and a flight from Girona became our new destination.
We swam, attempted to film the fish (my waterproof case sort of worked — slightly blurry, but charmingly so), and took a closer look at the protected Posidonia grass. You can’t anchor on it — the fines are hefty — and for good reason. It’s a nursery for countless species, including seahorses, and it helps purify and oxygenate the water. One of the reasons the Balearics enjoy such beautifully clear seas.
Just as we relaxed into the rhythm of the bay — anchor holding, tour boats drifting in and out, evenings falling calm (well… calm except for the wind) — we had a small calamity. Naturally. It had been days; we were due one.
I went to the toilet, pressed for action… nothing. Then, at the last second, it worked. But it finally gave up during Tim’s visit. 😱 With no shops around, we rummaged through the mountain of mysterious boxes left aboard when we bought Novera — spares, tools, and things we still don’t know the purpose of. And to our absolute delight… a brand‑new switch! Thomas, Novera’s previous owner, has been incredible — always at the end of a message when we need advice — and he left us so many thoughtful spares. Today, we felt especially grateful!
Sailing has taught me many things, and the freedom is incredible. But I’m also learning to loosen up a little with my inhibitions. The bay seemed to be a hotspot for naked sunbathing and swimming — yachties and beachgoers alike. Meanwhile, I was layered up like it was October. I’m not quite ready to shower naked off the back, but I’m trying to relax more. No one cares if I sit on my own boat without a bra on. 🤣 I’m far from becoming a naturist, but perhaps a little less “English.”
Today we are cooking ahead of our sail back to the mainland. It looks like a 30‑hour passage. Last time we sailed all day and motored all night; this time we’ll be sailing much more. Great for Novera, slightly scarier for me. But we have radar now, so it’ll be a different experience — a new challenge — and we’re ready for it.
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