Anchored off Isla Colom

The anchorage in Cala de s’Isla behind Isla Colom worked nicely for us. We slept well and in the morning we tackled some maintenance chores. Having done so much motoring since we had launched in April, the engine was due for an oil change and the gearbox needed new transmission fluid so those 2 tasks were our priority.

On board we carry loads of spare filters and enough oil for 2 oil changes and so tackling the task at anchor was not an issue. We dug out our Pela oil extractor from the aft lazerette to help with both tasks, along with some empty oil cans to store the old lubricants in. Both tasks are very easy to do but replacing the engine oil can be a bit messier when it comes to replacing the filter. It all worked well this time and the carefully placed plastic bag caught all of the drips. We decanted the old oil and fluid into the empty containers for disposal at a marina waste point and then rebuilt the engine box. Job done and we’re good for another 200 engine hours [Ed: though the generator oil will need changing in 70 hours!].

My Way anchored south of Isla Colom   

Relaxing after the chores was less successful because a rolly swell had started to come into the anchorage from the north. There was very little wind and so BV sat sideways onto the swell and periodically she started rolling quite badly. Looking to our south we could see the other anchorage, just to the south of Isla Colom, which appeared to have less swell and so at 1900hrs we lifted our anchor and moved. When we got around and anchored we found that we were right next to My Way, a brand new Amel sailing yacht. We’ve been sharing anchorages with her since we were in southeastern Corsica.

Anchored south of Isla Colom   

The move proved to be a good one. Often you just don’t know if the anchorage you have just left is still beset by the swell that drove you out but here we could still see the tops of the yachts we’d left in Cala de s’Isla madly waving around every now and then.

Having arrived in Menorca so much earlier than we had originally expected we decided that we’d use the time to explore some of the anchorages before Charlotte joined us. With the mistral on its way though, the north and northeast coasts of Menorca were not the places to stay, so we planned to sail around to the south side of the island in the morning.

Isla Colom, Menorca, Spain