We left Salina for what turned out to be a pretty uneventful two-nighter and headed to Spiaggia di Campulongu, on the southeast coast, arriving there around lunchtime on Wednesday, August 27th.

What a stunning stretch of coastline! As the wind picked up, the waves grew wild enough for the boys to grab their boards and dive into some serious body-surfing fun. Originally, we had planned to stay a couple of nights, but with the forecast showing a 2-meter swell rolling into the anchorage, we knew it was wiser to move on.

Since Laura had to leave from Cagliari, heading in that direction seemed like the best call. The moment we left the anchorage, it was clear we’d made the right decision—though we paid for it with some of the biggest waves I’ve ever seen in the Med! It wasn’t long before the crew began feeling a little worse for wear.

With calm anchorages scarce around Cagliari, we chose to tie up in a marina—the first one since we’d set off. It turned into a lovely little pause: the boys zipped around on their scooters, we stocked up on supplies, indulged in ice cream, and I even enjoyed a beautiful morning jog. It was a refreshing, much-needed break.

Funny how your senses take in a city so differently when the last proper town you saw was Pula! The noise of traffic, the distinct “smell” of town life, the dust, the houses, the people, the lights—it all hit me as a chaotic mélange of impressions. Strange and wonderful at the same time, noticing all these details again, things you become blind to when you’re surrounded by them every day.

The hardest part, though, was saying goodbye to Laura. She’s been the most incredible crew member, nanny, and friend. 

Dear Laura, without you these first weeks would never have been so wonderful. Your stamina, your magic way of knowing exactly where a hand is needed, and your unfailingly good mood have meant the world to us. We’re endlessly grateful and already miss you dearly! Your cabin on Akuna will always be waiting—please come back soon. REALLY!

After 24 hours in Cagliari, we moved on to Spiaggia di Nora near Pula (yes, I know!), and here we are now, glued to the weather forecasts as we prepare to cross to the Balearics.

Time is starting to feel tight—we need to reach Gibraltar before the first day of school in Bavaria. We’ll spend a week back in our old neighborhood so that Nino can start school properly and Joe can begin Gymnasium before they’re excused for the year. It might sound like an odd compromise, but this journey has already asked a lot of our boys, and this was something I wasn’t willing to sacrifice. So, a week’s break from the boat before we set off into the Atlantic!