ADVENTURE IN SEARCH OF BALEARIC BLISS

One trip and James Kenning was smitten with Mallorca and the Spanish islands. Several years later, he returned with his own boat

- James Kenning

Chartering a yacht out of Mahon back in 2014 was my first experience of the Balearics. With just a week onboard, we worked our way anticlockwise around Menorca and, in so doing, fell in love with the land, the climate, and the people.

Since then it has long been a dream to return in my own boat to more fully explore all the islands of this self-contained cruising area.

With warm seas, dramatic scenery, fine beaches and sheltered anchorages, the Balearics is a spectacular cruising ground for boats bound for the western Mediterranean. Cities and towns that are packed with culture, and a good network of harbours and marinas, further add to the attraction of Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca. However, in many ways this island group has become a victim of its own success; the region has gained a reputation for being both crowded and costly for sailors. In high season especially, there can be intense competition for anchoring spots, not so much between cruising yachts, but from the proliferation of day charter boats. In addition, the rigidly enforced restrictions to protect the Posidonia seagrass fields add further fuel to the 'race for space' in the most popular locations.

For those wanting pontoon facilities, marina prices can be eye-wateringly high. All that said however, the Balearics really are too good an area to dismiss or pass by. With some cunning planning, careful preparation and inherent flexibility, the worst of the crowds can be avoided, budgets kept under control, and wonderful memories made.