Itinerary

This page will give you some insight into each location we plan to sail to and includes notes on considerations for the conditions and the course we may sail between islands. We will work with our charter partner to firm up the schedule and route in the weeks prior to the sail, taking into account expected conditions and local regulations. It is possible the exact course and schedule may not be set until the briefing at the charter base, however we do our best to go into the week with a high degree of confidence in our itinerary. Skippers and First Mates will meet daily during the cruise to agree on the float plan for the coming day, to take into consideration any change in weather. In the event of a significant change in wind direction and strength we will make adjustments to the itinerary to ensure the safety of flotilla participants as a first priority.

For all ports of call consult the Cruising Guide onboard for more options to do and see ashore. If you are inclined to familiarize yourself with the guide prior to the trip you can grab it from Blackwell’s.

The itinerary is subject to change right up to and during the cruise, based on discussion with Skippers and the charter company, the weather and sea conditions expected each day and any changes to regulations.

Check back here often for updates to the itinerary.

Last updated 08/13/2024. Please regard this itinerary as a work in progress. We may add or delete some items, or move some things around in the weeks leading up to the trip. Casual boat parties are guaranteed during the week and stay tuned for details of the race!

Itinerary outline

Sailors who decide to arrive a day (or more) early are free to explore and make their own dinner arrangements. In the days leading up to the trip you may like to coordinate with other sailors for some fun land adventures on arrival! Please respect and obey any locally enforced regulations that tourists are asked to abide by.

Prior to boarding our boats

Saturday September 7th

Porto Colom (click to enlarge)

  • Taxi to the marina at Porto Colom on Mallorca (download base fact sheet)

    • Approx 45 min taxi from Palma airport

    • Four Seasons Yachting (formerly Porto Colom Yachting)

    • Carrer de La Marina, 103A, 07670 Portocolom, Illes Balears, Spain

  • Provisioning team goes grocery shopping

    • Be decisive, take the shopping list you’ve worked out with your crewmates.

  • Take possession of boats between 3pm-5pm

  • Stow provisions and luggage

  • We have an option to depart the marina by 6pm for a maximum 15NM sail to Costa de los Pinos anchorage, or something closer depending on timing. Crews may elect to stay in the Porto Colom marina overnight if provisioning and boat readiness takes longer or weather is a constraint

    • A couple of nice restaurants ashore at Costa de Los Pinos, reservations required. Or cook something quick and easy aboard your yacht

Sunday September 8th

Naveta d’es Tudóns

  • Sail to Peurto de Cuidadela, Menorca

    • 29 NM from Costa del los Pinos

    • 45 NM from Porto Colom

  • An early start will allow for more time exploring on arrival

  • Reservations confirmed for berths at the Club Náutico dock, pay on arrival

  • Cuidadela is one of the most attractive and interesting harbors in the Balearics, and also the most ancient.

    • Explore the old town, unspoiled by tourism. Head to the market area for the best bars and restaurants

    • Visit the 14th Century cathedral

    • Explore bronze-age talayotic megalith sites close by, including Naveta d’es Tudóns, the oldest building in Europe, dating from 2000-1000 BC

      • 3 miles by taxi

  • Eat ashore

Monday September 9th

Cala Formentor

  • 32 NM sail to Cala Formentor

    • No anchoring permitted. Mooring ball reservations confirmed with Ports IB

  • Beautiful beach

  • Famous 5 star Formentor Hotel ashore for fancy drinks or dinner - Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Manaco honeymooned here

  • Several lively bars along the beach, one or two have quite a party scene

  • Cook aboard or take a fancy dinner at the hotel, or dine casually at one of the beach bars

  • If needed in the event of unsettled weather the Port of Pollensa is just 2NM away with both mooring bouys and berths available

Tuesday September 10th

Es Caló with Atalaya de Morey in the background

  • Take a lazy breakfast and continue to enjoy the surroundings at Cala Formentor or head across the bay to Cala de Pinar for a relaxing lunch stop

  • If Easterly wind

    • 13 NM upwind sail from Cala Formentor to Es Caló where you can hike to the top of the surrounding mountain, Atalaya de Morey (432m). Anchor only, no services.

  • If Westerly wind

    • 20 NM downwind sail from Cala Formentor to Cala de S’Agulla. Relax, enjoy the beach and your water toys. Anchor only, no services.

  • Themed Boat Party, 8pm on Sips Ahoy!

Wednesday September 11th

Cuevas del Drach

  • 23 NM (from Es Caló) or 14 NM (from de S’Agulla) sail to Porto Cristo

  • Take a berth

    • Ports IB berths on NW side of the river can be reserved in advance

    • Club Náutico berths on the SE side only accept same day reservations

    • Both sets of docks run lazy lines out to the bow, no need to drop anchor

  • The Cuevas del Drach (Caves of the Dragon) are not to be missed

    • Tours run hourly from 10am, last entry at 5pm, and last approximately 1 hour. Buy tickets online ahead of time for discounts and faster entry

  • Wildlife Park nearby

  • Spectacular views of the coast can be seen from from tower SW of the lighthouse

  • Cook aboard or eat ashore

Thursday September 12th

Isla de Cabrera

  • 31 NM race to Isla de Cabrera (likely a beat to wind so plan for more mileage)

    • National Park

    • No anchoring. Take a Mooring Ball in Puerto de Cabrera on the west coast of the island.

      • Must obtain a permit in advance to overnight here

      • Keep dinghy speed under 5 knots or you’ll be having a chat with a park ranger, speed is strictly enforced

    • Visit the castle

    • Take a guided walk, only permissible with a Park Ranger

    • Admire the unspoiled scenery and wildlife

  • Cook dinner aboard, use up most provisions (save some for lunch for tomorrow)

Friday September 13th

Cala Mondrago

  • 17 NM sail to Cala Mondrago (or Calo des Moro)

    • Can spend a couple of hours here for lunch and a swim

  • After lunch return to Porto Colom by 4pm

    • Must remember to stop at the fuel dock upon entering the harbor and refuel before returning to the charter dock

    • Pack luggage ready for departure tomorrow

  • Skipper Appreciation Dinner at [TBD] in Porto Colom, 8pm

Saturday September 14th

Portocolom

  • Must be cleared down and off boats by 9am

    • If not in any rush for flights, take a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and have a wander around the town

    • Barcelona bound crew head to Palma airport for flights

Week 2: Barcelona

Crew staying in Barcelona are free to make plans with each other for taking in the local sights and gastronomic delights. Below are some suggested activities, and the America’s Cup race schedule for the days we are in Barcelona. Racing will be weather dependent. We can choose to attend racing on some or all confirmed race days and plan other activities around that. Feel free to take in as much or as little as you like. We we will also coordinate some of our meals as a group.

We are thrilled to offer participants a unique opportunity to spend a day with Team New York Yacht Club American Magic on Monday Sept 16th. This truly once in a lifetime opportunity includes a tour of the team base, a pre-race presentation, lunch, gourmet food and drinks throughout the day, on-water race viewing with team commentary, a cocktail party with the team after the racing, and premium team swag, including gear from sponsor, Helly Hansen!

Race Schedule: Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-finals

These races are the semi-finals of the challenger series to determine who goes through to the America’s Cup final round of match racing. Racing is scheduled to take place on September 14th thru 16th, and September 18th thru 19th. Given our travel scheduled to Barcelona on September 14th, that gives us a potential four days of thrilling America’s Cup racing to take in. Races are scheduled to start at 2pm local time on race days, and will run for two to three hours.

Things to see and do in Barcelona

Treat this section as a guide to popular activities for visitors to Barcelona. We will schedule around the racing as needed and coordinate with each other to firm up plans over the coming months.

  • Day 1

    • Start your day with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as this is a popular attraction.

  • After Sagrada Familia, head to Park Güell, another one of Gaudí's whimsical creations. This park is full of colorful mosaics and stunning views of the city.

  • In the evening enjoy a tapas crawl in the lively El Born neighborhood. There are countless tapas bars to choose from, so you can sample a variety of delicious dishes.

  • Day 2

  • Explore the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona's historic city center. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the medieval architecture, and visit the Barcelona Cathedral.

  • During the afternoon, take a walk down La Rambla, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. Be sure to watch your belongings, as this area is known for pickpockets.

  • In the evening, enjoy a flamenco show in the Tablao de Carmen, a traditional flamenco venue. Flamenco is a passionate and expressive dance that is a must-see when visiting Barcelona.

  • Day 3

  • Visit the Picasso Museum, which houses a collection of over 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso. The museum is located in the Gothic Quarter and is a great place to learn about this famous artist.

  • In the afternoon, relax on Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona's most popular beach. Go for a swim, sunbathe, or people-watch!

  • Then in the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a restaurant in Barceloneta.

  • Day 4

  • Take a day trip to Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery located on a mountaintop outside of Barcelona. The monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular pilgrimage site.

  • In the evening, enjoy a dinner at a traditional Catalan restaurant.