S1.14 - Navigating Swells and Surprises: Breathtaking Mallorca
July 24-25: Embracing Tranquility in Puerto Petro
Ryan worked his magic and led us to a hidden gem, the enchanting bay of Puerto Petro, where we decided to drop anchor and savor the next couple of days. From the moment we arrived, the service has been nothing short of outstanding.
What sets Puerto Petro apart is their exceptional hospitality. They go the extra nautical mile by greeting us as we enter and assisting us in securing our boat to a mooring ball making our stay feel like a true coastal retreat. The icing on the cake is the easy access to a proper dingy dock – a bonus that every sailor appreciates.
Our obligatory cleaning routine commenced as soon as we settled in. The boat, collecting a surprising amount of dust from the salty air, got the attention it deserved. Ryan, in his quest for cleanliness, also took the time to pamper our paddle boards and give some much-needed love to our tender - UGH.
Such clear water in Puerto Pedro
Sadly, my burn still keeps me from taking a dip in the inviting clear waters.
Highly recommend these breathable elastic mesh bandages should you ever be in need!
There's a captivating cove just a stone's throw from our port side, tempting us to explore its secrets, so tomorrow's plan involves a leisurely noodle session in our quirky water companion - UGH.
While the heat and humidity persist, the evening breeze on the patio remains a cherished part of our day. Puerto Petro has welcomed us with open arms, offering a serene escape from the bustling scenes of Ibiza. With crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views, this bay has quickly become a haven we are reluctant to leave.
July 26: Sailing, Cove Challenges, and Unexpected Marina Mayhem
As the swells picked up on the third day, we set sail in search of calmer waters. Both sailing and motor sailing provided a mix of excitement and serenity, with the Cuevas de Artà's impressive network of caves stealing the spotlight, reminiscent of the caves in Gibraltar.
Caves near Felanitx
Caves near Menacor
Attempting to anchor in the alluring Cala Pilota proved challenging, as only four boats could squeeze into this gorgeous haven, and it was already at full capacity. And unfortunately, just outside of this small bay, the only place to anchor we felt were too close to the rocky surroundings. So we sailed on trying to find “our special space'“ for the night.
Opting for the nearby Marina Colònia des Sant Pere, we were directed to a very tight mooring slot which was already occupied by a jet ski rescue company and were asked to share the space. Despite our hesitation, the harbor staff encouraged us to squeeze in anyway. No sooner were we secured to the dock, an emergency arose and the jet ski rescuers had to swiftly maneuver out to get to their next call. They were not pleased, to say the least, that we were in their way.
This twist of fate had us relocating to the fuel dock for the night, which brought on whole new set of hurtles. The swells' unpredictable angles not only challenged our docking skills but, once secured, relentlessly pounded Lucky Enough against the dock. As Ryan grappled to regain control and implement a new line configuration, Olivier and I ventured out for dinner, only to encounter a scarcity of options due to temporarily closed restaurants. Despite the initial fiasco, the night eventually brought tranquility to the waters.
July 27: A Fiasco Unfolds and Seeking Solitude at Sea
Realizing the marina stay was more chaos than calm, we decided to set sail for a tranquil anchorage. After a fuel-up and essentials run (of wine and beer), Ryan tackled a windlass reset, only to discover water under our master bed! Not knowing how the water got into the boat and how long it has been there, is indeed a cause for concern. We will closely monitor the situation for now and aim to resolve it promptly with the help of the engineers at Privilège Marine. A shop vac session ensued sucking out at least 4 full containers of nasty water, followed by a cleanup, before we sailed away crossing the Alcdúia Bay.
Alcúdia Bay
Discovering Plataj des Coll, we embraced the beauty despite the lively day boats coming and going throughout the day. Thankfully, the evening quieted down, leaving us with just one monohull neighbor.
Plataj des Coll
July 28-29: From Anchorage Bliss to Marina Tightrope & Another Farewell
Leaving the scenic anchorage, we set our course for Marina de Bonaire.
Enjoying our scenic departure out of Plataj Des Coll, Alcúdia
The entrance hinted at a tight fit, but Ryan once again showcased his docking prowess, smoothly touching the dock. Convenient side docking and proximity to our rental car were perks, albeit with less-than-ideal shore power.
Celebrating with Olivier, we dined at the delightful 5 Oceanos, capping off our night with laughter and good company.
Olivier bid us adieu, heading to Palma for an early flight, but not before creating this last video for us. Thank you sir.
We’d be here for a few days, so Ryan and I began to once again clean and prep for the return of Byron, Michelle and additional crew.