We are starting to understand the appeal of zero speed stabilizers and gyro stabilization systems for yachts which are boomless. The anchorages which we have visited so far are not what you would characterize as calm. Of course if you have booms and flopper stoppers they are fine.

It does not help that the stinkpots seem to have one speed, wide open throttle, as they approach the marina or pass close by an anchorage. This does not seem to be so much a national trait – the Brits are as guilty as the locals – as associated with the size of your wake. Perhaps a big wake is like a tall mast?

We’ve been lamenting the lack of wild life so far in the Med. But close to Mallorca the activity has picked up.

There is some bird life.

Including this egret heading south.

And porps coming for a short play date.

Mallorca’s coast line is honeycombed with caves, both natural and man made.

And we have actually seen some undeveloped areas.

But for the most part it is lined with real estate developments.

We picked up our youngest, Sarah and her buddy Vera, anchored off Portal Nous, the marina in the background in the photo above. There were a series of events associated with this experience. Number one, it is the first time we have seen a Shelby Cobra (real not replica) in many years, parked off the stern of a Med moored motor yacht. Then there  is the all time galactic record for daily dock quotation. For our diminutive 83 feet the price was 385 Euros a night. Of course this includes power and water. Since we prefer to anchor in any event we passed.

The holding has been poor in most of the anchorages, and dragging is common. This Kiwi professional skipper is checking the feel of his chain as the afternoon sea breeze comes in. We’ve been setting the hook on 5-1 scope, and backing down slowly over several minutes to dig the anchor in.

Are cell phones a fashion accessory? A high percentage of the guys driving fizzboats and male charterers seem to have them affixed to their ears.

We’ve seen a few yachts out sailing. This gent sailed off his anchor, reminding us of the olden days.

There are lots of interesting designs to check out.

Here is a handsome cat. She is much nicer looking and will be a better sea boat than the high volume multihulls that are so typical.

You know we are not fans of overhang from a performance standpoint, but they are nice to look at.

There are lots of water toys, mostly being used in circles through the crowded anchorages.

We cannot begrudge the odd water skier, especially one as cute as this.

But jet skies, especially those rocketing by our topsides at 40 knots, are a plague. And what’s with riding second seat? Does she look like this is fun?

A combination of afternoon sea breeze and warm sun make lounging on the foredeck a definite pleasure. Now, if we could arrange the time for this activity…

Truth in reporting forces us to comment on the garbage floating in the Med. Lots of plastic bags, the odd pallet, and food.

If you get the impression we’ve been wondering about the Balearics as a cruising destination you are right. We’ll leave you with this photo of the entrance to the harbor at Palma. Things are about to change.