Well Caroline is busy writing up the blog for French Polynesia which should take many months I will try and keep up with the normal daily one. We returned to Licata very tired and had 2 weeks to get back into our normal life. We got the boat ready and we had paid up to the end of the month so we stayed until then. So 1 June and we were off to start another season. Days before you get worried about the worry at being at sea all the time but as you get nearer to leave the excitement starts. Also you prepare the boat as best you can but until you leave do you really find what’s not working, what’s siezed over the winter period and what needed to be replaced. In Licata they say that 50% of the boats that leave comeback again for further work…
01-06-19 Well we left with an easy forecast for a 67nm trip, leaving 8.00am arriving at Porto Paolo 18:00 motor sailing the whole way. This was slightly further than planned as original place had a slight swell so pushed on a few more miles to anchor in the protection of the bay. We were surprised to see Songbird there who had left a few days before us. The forecast for the next day wasn’t perfect and the first days sail was a long one so decided to rest the following day and enjoy the bay. Not a pretty one but well protected.
03-6-19 We decided to sail to Siracuse today. A light breeze in the morning and getting fresher in the afternoon. After receiving a call to hear that our sheds at home had been broken into and recently serviced lawnmower had been stolen we pulled up all sails and stopped the engine to gradually sail along at around 3 knots (very slow) which was enjoyable. Within the hour the wind increased and was sailing along at 6 knots. We arrived in the very big and busy port of Siracuse. The wind was blowing old boots and had to anchor between many boats. Our good old Rochna anchor held well first time so we could relax and have our evening meal. A great sailing day anyway. Songbird who had left the day before was also there together with another boat from Licata, Viking. The following day was spent exploring the town with Songbird by taking the dinghy ashore. On returning to our dinghy we had found someone had stolen all the stainless steel clips on the boat…..in addition we also discovered our 3 year old dinghy had a puncture…one of the seams had come apart… living the dream. Both Songbird and Viking were leaving early heading towards mainland Italy and Corfu. Our plan was to go up the straights of Messina and head for the Volcano Islands north of Sicily before heading for Corfu.
06-06-19 We decided to leave and do a relatively short trip to Brucoli. We called it Broccoli. A light wind day again but managed to sail the whole way and anchored in a small bay beside a fishing town and Castle. From the anchorage we could get a good glimpse of Etna.
07/06/19 Another long sail today of 53.5miles to Naxos Giardini. Light wind was predicted but it was lighter….unfortunately had to engine the whole way. We did try our big blue sail but as soon as it was raised the wind dropped to nothing. A lot of sunshine which was hot….. We found a nice anchorage just of the beach with again lovely views of Etna. The following day was spent enjoying waching the holiday makers on the beach and the girls using the paddle board. Although very hot outside the sea was still cold…. Later that day the bay started to empty of boats except one other. The wind and the waves started to increase dramatically when the other boat started dragging near to us. We were fine but it was a bit uncomfortable with this large swell. So we lifted the anchor and moved the one mile to the other end of the bay which offered a lot more protection from the swell. On looking at the weather for the following week and our plans there was no good weather window to get through the Messina straights and off to Stromboli. Knowing main friends were already in Greece enjoying beautiful sailing we decided to abandon our original plans and head for Corfu.
09-06-19 We decided to leave at 8 am to cross the Messina straights. The forecast was spot on with no wind at all in the beginning 24 knots crossing the straights then nothing when we were hiding behind mainland Italy. The 24 knots on the beam was great for myself and the girls but Mum didn’t like it much. With full sail up the boat was on her side sailing fast with water almost on the sides where we normally walk. Three of us were really grinning but it only lasted for a couple of hours before we had no wind again and anchored off a small village with a sandy beach. 38nm covered. This coastline had nowhere to hide from southerly winds and was quite exposed but luckily it was good and calm every night.
10-06-19 Another long run. 52 miles taking 10 hours. A long run with no wind and a lot of sunshine. Anchored in lovely sandy bay just off the beach.
11-06-19 48 miles to Crotone. Little wind all morning with a small breeze late afternoon. We managed to sail for a bit but the engine was used a lot. Crotone has 4 large gas platforms just off the big port. I managed to sneak into the port just ahead of a military boat. We safely anchored just outside the port antrance in 4m. The sea wasn’t clear so not ideal to swim. The following day we went into the port to fill our diesel tanks and luckily they let us stay on the fuel pontoon as Jessie and Mum went shopping. A story there when they didn’t accept cards only Cash…..We then went out again and anchored outside the bay.
13-06-19 An early start at 7am to do 73nm across the bottom of the shoe of Italy to the heal of the shoe. There was supposed to be wind early on but it didn’t come in until 9 am. Once the breeze came in we could have a leisurely sail all the way across which was a delight. It was funny how we left early in the morning and 3 other boats from that area all left at the same time so we had company all the way. Santa Maria looked a lovely lively place but the anchorage was very small which meant being up all night in the cockpit as we had to anchor close to another boat. The music from the shore didn’t let anyone sleep anyway as a live band was playing. It may have been nice to explore the town but we were off again first thing leaving Italy and heading for Greek waters.
14-06-19 An early start and a miserable looking sky and swelly sea had us all feeling uncomfortable. Strongish winds of 20 knots had reefs in the mainsail and the genoa. The only good thing was we make good speed. We arrived at a small island just off Corfu, Othonio , at 1 pm after doing some 36nm. We anchored on the side of the islands which was protected from wind but later that afternoon the wind rose to 33 knots. Luckily our anchor held. The wind didn’t slow down until the early hours of the morning. This had both Caroline and myself sleeping in the cockpit with the anchor alarm on.
15-6-19 A no wind trip to Corfu. Yes we made it. Thick fog for 2 hours but delighted to arrive. Ian and Lorraine our friends on Cuffysark surprised us by coming out in their boat to greet us. We had wintered in Cartagena with them and also in Licata. So some 446 miles in 15 days. Corfu and the Greek Islands means we can relax a bit more from strong winds and swell as the islands are a lot more protected. The water now was hot enough to swim in which is perfect. Its strange but quite emotional to arrive there.