Sardinia!

So this journey was infinitely better . Great sail on first day, but wind dropped to nothing for about 20 hours ! Sea was calm so got good speed from engine and arrived at Sardinian anchorage about 22.30. Not without drama when string of bouys from beach were virtually under the bow. Not shown on chart but that’s the downside of arriving at night with out someone up front with torch!

Cagliari , lovely as I remember but a bit of a walk from boat. Nav lights not working, diagnosed as light unit so will buy one of those tomorrow and hopefully attach!

Scruffy little marina but good price and very friendly, showers and fuel so I’ve no complaints. Interesting boats hanging around !! Obviously too expensive to move!

Next leg is round the south of mainland then anchor and wait for some wind. Still without fridge , but getting used to it. Nice to be making some progress.😃

Beaten by wind and sea again!!

That’s the Kat, middle back. 

As a result I decided to backtrack to an island I haven’t  visited and wait for more favorable winds. Ustica. A tiny little island north of Sicilys western tip previously known as the black pearl due to what I imagine is volcanic, black rock. Very accommodating harbour master! I baulked at € 72 per night and negotiated, he came back with € 60 for two nights and on paying he just took the 50. How nice is that? Ok no power,water or showers since Covid . I think that’s a nod to the fact that there is a desalination plant producing expensive water here but there must be springs somewhere because fruit and veg is grown and watered.

Walk to hill top.

                   Looking down the Main Street

First nights anchorage , in the tiny ident below and to the right of lighthouse . Arrived at 03.30 very knackered and bruised from the swell that followed me from where I did a U turn. Deafened as well from the banging and crashing of tins, cups , pans , glasses, lines , shackles and flagging sail. Thought I’d wait for wind so moved to the harbour at the top, needed to feel solid ground as well!

Palermo

I love this place. Dirty , scruffy and full of alleyways and interesting buildings. Night time is completely different to daytime with every door way turning into a restaurant or pizza venue. Action to well past midnight.

The waterfront is hosting an X cat power boat race these two days, part of the world circuit, big money and expensive toys. God knows how it makes any money.

The marina is great first proper shower in a week ! I do wash but only when swimming, seems to work. Heading to Sardinia today probably a three day trip as it looks like there will be some wind. I hope so because I can’t motor all that distance, that’s all for now. Very hot  probably low 30’s.

 

Palermo wedding
 

Messina Strait ✅

 

North exit of Messina straight from Scylla 

Departed Reggio at 06.30 to gain calm conditions and the whole trip was straight forward . No whirlpools or sea monsters . A Policia Finanzia came along side and told me to follow them to the middle of the channel which was odd because for my size and favorable currents you’re supposed to stay inshore and out of traffic lanes. I think they were helping me as I got 5.5 kts where they left me  I only had 3.8 before. Then a very large coast guard ship radios me to say keep to his starboard which put me off course , but no problem as I’m now in Scylla home of the mythical monsters.

It’s lovely and I’m in the cheap seats on anchor because they wanted €60 for a buoy!! Thieves..

That’s Katrilli the white blob furthest away..

Winter camouflage to disguise boat from authorities!

If you zoom in on the red blob that was my view of Etna coughing last night from the marina 20 miles away. Through the binoculars it was a brilliant view!

Top of the hill. A very hot and sweaty walk but great view. Zero wind so more motoring ahead unfortunately. Tomorrow morning.

Back on the water after two months

Came back to UK to sort out a Spanish visa. All done, not a simple task . Fridge on boat was supposed to be fixed in my absence but apparently not so waited for a part which does do the job now have to move to a new port in the right direction but very annoying.

Plan is to head up Messina Strait and head for Stromboli , across to Sardinia and then Menorca. Stromboli is behaving exactly as i wanted but unfortunately i am not there which is very annoying. Perhaps a blessing because it’s a bit more furious than usual. I have to pass Scyla and Charibdis first 😳.Apart from that no great action this marina is very nice the people are very friendly and helpful, fownside is very are very few boat trades hence my protracted problem.

40 immigrants turned up last night in the compound next door. They’re wandering around in red shirts and blue shorts after processing . It’s their season over here now too.!

Festival in town last night. I missed the fireworks at12pm.               

My local beach , not too busy.

View from hotel room when I flew back to Catania. Etna’s blowing as well at the moment so bad timing for that as well.