See those light and dark patches in the water? They are the latest challenge in cruising. The dark patches are Posidonia Oceanica, a sea grass, and the population here in the Balearics is considered to be one of the world’s oldest living organisms, dating back to the Pleistocene era. The light patches are sand.

Posidonia is critical as it provides a habitat for fish hatcheries among other living things. It reduces swell and therefore reduces beach erosion.

It’s forbidden to anchor in Posidonia. Boat anchors rip out the seagrass and degrade the seabed. Thank goodness the islands supposedly get 300 days of sunshine a year, as we have to come into an anchorage slowly, driving around looking for a clear spot to drop the anchor. There’s even an app now to help locate safe anchoring zones. If you don’t, look out for a hefty fine from the ‘Posi Police.’