Returning Home

September 13, 2013

This would be our last day at sea.  Our destination was to Marina Mandolina in Sibenik.  As we eased out of the marina area, we noticed there was a good breeze.  We were going to get a good last sail in!  We got out into the Adriatic and there were plenty of boats most of which were heading north toward Sibenik. 

We got the mainsail unfurled and set and then the Genoa was set.  We were rolling!  Great wind and it was on a great point.  We were moving along nicely.  Each of the crew stood a watch at the wheel for a time.  Everyone was having a great time.  We had a good heel going and we were making great progress.  We did not want to deal with bringing the boat into the marina in low light.

We wove our way between the islands and we could see after a while the town of Sibenik in the distance.  We were nearing the end of a great sailing day.  We got up into the entrance to the Sibenik harbor and charter docks.  We had to fill the diesel fuel tank, so we headed to the fuel dock like everyone else.  We got in line and waited our turn.  Finally we were pulling into the dock.  The attendant handed me the hose and nozzle and I began filling the tank.  I can't remember how much it took but we were finished in about 10 minutes and we gracefully pulled away from the dock and toward the marina.  

 

The marina was about five minutes or less away from the fuel dock.  I called the marina and found out our slip assignment, however, we could not find it right away.  As it turned out, it was the same slip we had left from.  I backed the boat down the lane and carefully put her in the slip using the bowthrusters.  The charter team was out and assisted with tying the boat to the dock.  We were back!

 

As is the tradition with Sojourner trips, the last night is the Captain's dinner.  Just a thank your for sailing with Dolly and me.  We decided to go to Stari Grad for dinner.  We had a great time and the food was quite tasty.  Our server was incredible.  He took care of our every need.  All was well. 

We retired to the boat to spend our last night before we all went our separate ways the next day.  The crew and captain were busy packing and getting ready to vacate the boat by 0900.  We drank some champagne and laughed and recounted the events of the past week.  Everyone voted to do another charter to Croatia soon.