As we watched Kora being lifted out of the water on August 20th, marking exactly three months (92 days) of life on board, a swirl of emotions hit us. On one hand, the idea of heading back to land, reconnecting with family and friends, and indulging in the simple luxuries of a long, hot...
Packing Up Kora: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Well, we’ve arrived at Port Napoléon in France, and it’s time to pack up Kora for the season. The process of storing the boat is more than just a physical task; it’s a poignant reminder that our incredible adventure is coming to an end. We’re diving into a full-scale operation: scrubbing the entire exterior,...
Marseille, France: Our Final City Day in Europe
Our final day exploring a European city brought us to the vibrant and historic Marseille. This bustling port city, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, was the perfect place to end our European adventure. Having deliberately skipped the little tourist trains in other big cities, choosing to walk instead — see more, get...
Final Sail: Barcelona to Marseille – A Bittersweet Ending to an Incredible Season
As we set sail on our final passage from Barcelona to Marseille, the emotions were a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s hard to believe that the first season aboard Kora has almost come to an end, and what a journey it has been! From the joy of sharing...
Barcelona Day 2: Gaudí’s Masterpieces and More
After a lazy morning catching up on sleep and tackling some boat chores in the blissful AC, we set off in the cooler afternoon to explore more of Barcelona’s vibrant streets. The city was waiting, and so were we! Day 2 Adventures: We wrapped up the evening with a delightful dinner to celebrate Steve’s...
Barcelona Day 1: Unveiling the City’s Secrets
We set off on the 25 hr sail from Menorca to Barcelona with a beautiful sunset at our backs, and finished with the sunrise lighting up the horizon. The lights of Barcelona ahead of us were absolutely spectacular, painting the perfect backdrop for the beginning of our next adventure. Legend has it that Barcelona...
Menorca: A Whirlwind Visit but Not to Be Missed
Our visit to Menorca was brief but packed with beauty and charm. Menorca’s name derives from its size, contrasting it with nearby Mallorca. Its capital is Maó (more commonly known as Mahón), situated on the island’s eastern end, and it’s other major town is Ciutadella, situated on the island’s western end. We started the...
Exploring Pollença: A Hidden Gem
We had a rather exhausting night anchored nearby a motor yacht whose anchor kept slipping. Each of us took turns keeping a watch, Soph from 12-2am, Steve from 2-4am, then Karen 4-6am, our skipper Doug resting, though on call all night long. Twice throughout the night the engines had to be started and adjustments...
Thrilling Adventure with the Spanish Coast Guard Search & Rescue Team
What an exhilarating experience it was to be invited by the Spanish Coast Guard Search & Rescue Team to participate in a drill while sailing off the eastern coast of Mallorca, Spain! The thrill of having a helicopter overhead was unmatched — the wind from the blades whipping up the water around us, creating...
Discovering the Charms of Palma, Mallorca
After restocking our supplies on board, we set off to explore the captivating capital of Mallorca, Palma. Our first stop was Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city, filled with charming restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and shops — though being a Sunday afternoon, many were sadly closed during our visit. Next, we marveled at...