20260719 Giro de’ La Maddalena

Rafał Wiśniewski

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.