Rafał Wiśniewski

After completing the crew briefing in Golfo Aranci, Freya got underway for a week of coastal cruising and offshore passages through the Tyrrhenian Sea. The first days were spent exploring the magnificent northeastern coast of Sardinia, sailing among Figarolo, Tavolara, Capo Ceraso and the Gulf of Pevero. The Mistral repeatedly reminded us that at sea it is always the wind—not the skipper—that has the final word. Safe anchorages were sought in Porto Palma, Cala Villamarina, Secca Corsara, Porto Puddu and finally off Razzoli, with several changes of plan in favour of comfort and good seamanship. Whenever conditions allowed, Freya sailed under mainsail, genoa and staysail, alternating quiet passages under sail with periods under engine when the breeze faded. Crystal-clear anchorages, refreshing swims, evenings at anchor and countless conversations beneath the stars became the rhythm of life aboard. Leaving the Maddalena Archipelago astern, we shaped a northerly course across the Tyrrhenian Sea along the eastern coast of Corsica. Fair weather carried us past Scoglio d’Africa and on toward the Tuscan Archipelago, where a beautiful evening sail provided one of the highlights of the voyage. The final leg brought us safely into the Gulf of La Spezia and Porto Lotti after a passage of approximately 170 nautical miles. Once again, Freya proved that the true reward of a voyage is not simply the destination, but the wind, the sea and the shipmates with whom the course is shared. Fair winds and following seas.

Freya 2026 – Along Gallura and the Strait of Bonifacio Some cruises are remembered for the places visited. Others are remembered for the way they were sailed. Freya’s ten-day voyage belonged to the latter. Departing from Golfo Aranci, the crew shared a simple goal: spend as much time at anchor as possible, enjoy sailing whenever the wind allowed, and let the sea dictate the rhythm instead of the schedule. The first days unfolded gently around Tavolara, Molara, San Teodoro and the Costa Smeralda, alternating quiet anchorages with relaxed sailing under light summer breezes. As the week progressed, stronger northwesterlies transformed the character of the cruise. Longer tacks, repeated manoeuvres and beautiful reaches around Mortorio, Soffi, Capo Ferro and the Maddalena Archipelago reminded everyone why sailing boats were built to move under canvas rather than under engine. Then came the weather window everyone had been waiting for. After wisely abandoning the idea of spending the night at Cavallò, Freya sought shelter inside Santa Manza Bay on the Corsican coast. It proved to be the perfect decision. Early the following morning she followed the Corsican shoreline to Pointe de Sperone before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio with a steady 25-knot following wind. Beyond the strait the northwesterly strengthened to nearly 30 knots. Freya came alive. The long reach towards Tavolara became the highlight of the entire cruise: balanced helm, powerful but comfortable sailing and mile after mile disappearing beneath her keel. Almost on cue, the wind faded approaching Tavolara, exactly as forecast. Anchor dropped off La Cinta. Silence returned. The final days were devoted once again to swimming, quiet anchorages and slow coastal sailing before returning to Golfo Aranci. Even the last evening offered one final story: the fuel dock was occupied by a tug loading fifteen thousand litres of diesel fuel, postponing Freya’s refuelling until the following crew would arrive. One by one the crew departed for their ferries home. The boat remained quietly alongside. Ready for another voyage. Because every wake eventually disappears… …but the memories of a good passage never do. Fair winds, Freya. Until the next voyage.

From the Gulf of La Spezia to northeastern Sardinia, Freya completed a relaxed coastal passage, combining long stretches under engine with enjoyable sailing whenever the wind filled the sails. After crossing to Macinaggio, she continued south along Corsica’s east coast to Solenzara, calling at beautiful anchorages for swimming and breaks before heading through the Strait of Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura. The voyage then continued among the islands of La Maddalena, Figarolo, and finally ended at Golfo Aranci. Over the course of the cruise, Freya logged approximately 190 nautical miles, mostly in slight seas and light winds, making the engine the most reliable member of the crew. Even so, several rewarding sailing legs reminded everyone why they were aboard a sailing yacht. The log reflects a peaceful and enjoyable voyage filled with safe anchorages, welcoming harbours, crystal-clear waters, memorable sunsets, and plenty of laughter on deck. It was a true cruising passage, where good seamanship, camaraderie, and the simple pleasure of being at sea mattered more than speed.

The transfer of m/b Vinealis, from Marina di Leuca to Ancona, took place between 7 and 10 July, with the passage carried out predominantly under engine along the Adriatic coast. The first day was spent in port carrying out routine inspections and technical checks. During these operations, issues were identified with the navigation lights and the generator. On 8 July, after refuelling, Vinealis departed Marina di Leuca and headed north. The passage took place in favourable weather conditions, with a refuelling stop at Mola di Bari. An anomaly affecting the port engine oil sensor led to the prudent decision to divert to Bari, where the vessel remained overnight. The following day, the passage continued northward along the Adriatic coast, with a technical stop in Termoli for refuelling. After a further oil pressure warning was checked and found not to present any additional problems, the crew continued towards Vasto. Before entering port, the vessel anchored for a short swimming and aperitif stop, before berthing in Vasto for the night. On 10 July, Vinealis departed Vasto bound for Ancona. During the passage, wind and sea conditions gradually increased, particularly on the approach to Ancona, but the vessel and crew managed the conditions without difficulty. In the late afternoon, Vinealis safely berthed at Marina Dorica, successfully completing the transfer. Overall, the transfer was completed successfully, with generally favourable weather conditions and a small number of technical issues that were promptly investigated and managed by the crew. Refuelling stops and adjustments to the passage plan were carried out with due regard for prudent seamanship and the safety of the vessel and crew.

The passage was conducted under predominantly stable high-pressure conditions, with calm to slight seas and mostly light and variable winds. As a result, the engine provided the primary means of propulsion for much of the voyage, while the mainsail, headsail and, on one occasion, the gennaker were set whenever wind conditions permitted. The route included the transit of the Strait of Messina, a technical stop for refuelling and provisioning at Santa Maria di Leuca, and the rounding of Cape Leuca before entering the Adriatic Sea. Weather remained generally fair throughout, with clear skies, high temperatures and excellent visibility. The only significant incident occurred during the night of 25 June, when a sudden gust caused a tear in the mainsail. The crew reacted promptly, securing the sail and preventing further damage, allowing the passage to continue safely. The voyage was completed without any major mechanical failures, covering more than 1,000 nautical miles and demonstrating effective seamanship, good crew coordination and the yacht’s reliability during an extended offshore passage.

Commanded a Grand Banks 36 Classic on a coastal and offshore cruise across the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Croatia. The voyage included an open-sea crossing, coastal pilotage, harbour manoeuvres, anchoring, and navigation among the Croatian islands. Weather conditions remained generally favourable, with light to moderate winds (1–14 kn), slight seas (0.1–0.6 m), and good visibility throughout most of the passage. Responsibilities included passage planning, watchkeeping, engine and navigation systems monitoring, and all berthing and anchoring operations. The 344 NM voyage was completed safely and without incident, demonstrating prudent seamanship and effective command of the vessel.

Quattro giorni in mare non sono tanti… ma bastano per costruire una piccola leggenda. A bordo della Genesis III, l’armatore Luciano ha dato il via a un’avventura che ha avuto tutto: vento, calma piatta, regate improvvisate e rotte decisamente creative. Andrea, skipper paziente e sempre sul pezzo, ha guidato la ciurma tra manovre impeccabili e traffico degno di una tangenziale marittima, mentre Raffael, nel ruolo di first mate, ha fatto da ponte tra teoria e pratica, tra ordine e caos (più caos che ordine, a tratti). Eva e Giuseppe hanno portato entusiasmo, risate e spirito di adattamento, mentre Francesco — alla sua primissima esperienza — è passato in pochi giorni da osservatore curioso a partecipante attivo, sopravvivendo a virate, vele impazzite e notti stellate con rotte discutibili. Tra una “regata” a 0,5 nodi e bordi degni dell’America’s Cup (almeno nelle intenzioni), la Dufour 412 Grand Large ha dimostrato di saper ballare con ogni vento, anche quando il vento decideva di non presentarsi affatto. Non sono mancati momenti epici: giri su se stessi nel cuore della notte, incontri ravvicinati con navi poco collaborative, issate di Code Zero degne di un film… e naturalmente racconti di delfini mai avvistati. Il tutto si è concluso con le immancabili lezioni di nodi: perché dopo aver navigato, riso, sbagliato e imparato, ogni buon marinaio sa che il vero viaggio continua anche a terra… magari davanti a una cima e a un nodo che, finalmente, tiene. In sintesi: vento variabile, rotta flessibile, equipaggio affiatato. E una certezza assoluta — storie così, tra qualche mese, saranno già diventate eroiche.

Jak to Ewa zaśpiewała przy kambuzie — wiatry słabe, a w porywach „wcale”. Tylko pierwszego dnia, pod wieczór, gdy braliśmy Hel na cumy, południowa dwudziestka dała znać, kto tu rządzi na redzie. A potem? Dwa dni mgły jak z ballady o Duchu Bałtyku - cicho, mlecznie, aż w uszach dzwoni. Za to w kambuzie panowała Italia: tagliatelle kręcone na pokładzie i piadina romagnola, jakbyśmy płynęli nie po zatoce gdańskiej, a gdzieś między Rimini a Pesaro. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Come ha detto Ewa, con quel mezzo sorriso da vecchio lupo di mare: venti deboli… con raffiche fino a «niente». Solo il primo giorno, verso sera, mentre cercavamo posto a Hel, ci ha preso un colpo di vento da 20 nodi che ti fa capire subito chi comanda davvero da queste parti. Poi, per due giorni, nebbia. Quella nebbia densa, appiccicosa, che ti entra nelle ossa e ti fa vedere il mondo come attraverso un bicchiere sporco. Per fortuna, almeno il cambusa ci teneva allegri: cucina italiana fatta come Dio comanda, tagliatelle tirate a mano sul ponte e una piadina romagnola che potevi giurare venisse da una baracca sul mare a Cesenatico (merito di Andrea).