2nd October

The great battery problem gets more complicated. But I've found a man who says he can fix it. More jobs and packing up today. The weather is once again excellent sailing weather so Lucinda has been off to lie on the beach. We will have our last evening meal in the town before heading home tomorrow.

30th September & 1st October

In a leisurely manner we've continued to get Imagine ready for the winter. We think we know why the batteries won't charge but haven't been able to fix it. The window still leaks but we've arranged for someone to repair it. The engines bed a service but hopefully that will be done. So we've had time for walking and for socialising.

29th September

It's taken most of the day but at least I think I know why the batteries won't charge. And even better I've found someone who says he can fix it. In the meantime we've discovered that one of our windows leaks. We finished off the day with tea and drinks with our new best friends, John and Jan, on their boat further up the pontoon.

27th and 28th September

We finally arrived in Imagine's winter berth. Within a short time we had met people on several other boats who are also here until next year. There was little wind so we rapidly took all three sails off. In the evening we joined about 40 other people based here for happy hour in the local bar.

The following day the wind increased and blew one of the sail battens overboard. It was time to try out my Scuba gear. However the water was murky and quite deep so I gave up without reaching the bottom. Later we discovered our battery charger wasn't working. Several hours later reading manuals, speaking to technical help in the UK and crawling in nooks and crannies I am none the wiser. Just when we thought things were pretty well sorted this happens.

26th September

We made it back to Ragusa where Imagine will stay for the winter. It took us just under three weeks to circumnavigate Sicily. Last night It poured with rain and it's forecast to deteriorate tonight so we pushed on and covered nearly 60 miles today. We sailed most of that distance and it was a good way to end our sailing for this year.

25th September

This morning was miserable. While Lucinda went for a walk I settled down for a day in harbour reading and watching DVDs. However by lunch time the sky brightened a little so we decided to take a chance and head off to Syracuse. Most of the trip was into a lumpy grey sea but we eventually arrived before it got dark and anchored just off the town.

24th September

We spent a rolly night attached to the buoy. In the light we could see that we were by a beach with a road and railway behind. In the east there was lightning followed by thunder. By 9 a.m. the clouds moved above and heavy rain kept us inside and going nowhere. By mid morning the rain had stopped although it remained overcast and gloomy. We motored south smelling but not seeing mount Etna. By mid morning we were berthed in Catania. Later we walked into the old town for a meal. They certainly like their baroque architecture here.

23td September

Today we passed through the Strait of Messina. This has a fearsome reputation. According to Odysseus it is the location of Scilla (who lived on a cliff and plucked sailors from passing ships) and Charybdis (a giant whirlpool). Strong winds, tides and whirlpools do occur. We merely encountered a contrary wind and an adverse tide. Apart from Messina, which is not recommended, there is nowhere to stop heading south on the Sicilian side until the anchorage of Taormina. We arrived in the dark but I had phoned ahead and someone was there to guide us onto a buoy. It was a long day motoring the whole distance but at least we are through the Strait and on the east side of Sicily.

22nd September

Sadly it was time to leave the islands. We got to Milazzo on the mainland by early afternoon. We bade farewell to our guests who got a taxi to the station to get a train to Palermo. As we were in town we went to look at the castle that looms over the town. It was then back to the boat for supper on board.

21st September

We had a peaceful night at anchor. I was woken at 6:30 by thunder and a strong gust of wind only to see the bright orange motor boat next to us go backwards as her anchor dragged. It rained quite heavily but had cleared by 10 a.m. As we readied to leave my glove fell overboard and I had to rescue it. Lipari was the next island and we went to look at it and then anchored for lunch. We then sailed a further six miles to Salina where we took a berth for the night. Later we walked into the town for supper.

20th September.

A couple of storms blew through in the night but by morning it was much calmer. We decided to head for the Aeolian islands. Vulcano was the nearest and was reached it in time for a late lunch. We then went ashore to walk up the volcano of Vulcano. A sulphurous smell lies over the island and we trudged up on black sand and lava to reach the crater rim. The view over the harbour was magnificent. In the distance we could see Stromboli with an active volcano marked by the stream of smoke emanating from its top.

19th September

Several storms swept through in the night. It made me restless although Imagine was fine. Today's forecast wasn't as bad as we had anticipated although winds were still quite strong. We decided not to head out to the Aeolian Islands but chanced going 28 miles down the coast. We had a two metre following sea and westerly winds. It was an exhilarating and fast sail surging the rollers. We ended up in Sant'Agata where a huge EU funded breakwater has created a safe haven. We didn't really know what to expect but were delighted to be offered a berth on the solitary pontoon. The shop was a long walk but a lift there and back was organised. It was a 30 minute stroll into town where we found an excellent restaurant for our evening meal.

18th September

We found Barney and Mary in their hotel and had them on board before 9 a.m. Winds were light and we motored 35 miles east along the north coast to Cefalu. We anchored with the harbour breakwater outside the pontoons. We were hoping someone would come and invite us to come into the marina at a discounted rate. Disappointedly we were ignored. Later on we went ashore and walked into the town for a meal. It is a delightful warren of narrow pedestrian streets arranged along a hillside under a magnificent cathedral.

17th September

For once we had a wonderful downwind sail. It was a pleasure to be gently surfing the waves while other yachts were wearily bashing their way to windward. We opted to go onto a pontoon near the centre of Palermo. It was smelly and basic but we could walk into town. We said farewell to Emily and restocked and cleaned the boat in preparation for Barney and Mary who arrive in the morning.

16th September

I keep on dreaming the anchor had dragged. After a restless night I was relived that Imagine was more or less in the same place as the night before. We set off east along the north coast of Sicily. For the first half of our journey we good good winds from more or less the right direction. Later the wind died off and we ended up motoring the last eight miles into Castellammare del Golfo. In the evening we had a farewell dinner for Emily. It's been great having her onboard.

15th September

The castle on top of the hill overlooking the harbour was shrouded in mist. Lucinda and I set off early to walk up to it. We felt virtuous and somewhat sweaty by the time we got back to the boat for breakfast. Later we sailed a couple of miles round the coast to anchor in a bay for lunch and a swim. We headed back to the harbour later in the afternoon and decided, instead of going onto a pontoon, we would anchor for the night.


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14th September

It's only a few miles across to Favignana, the largest of the Egadi islands. We had planned to anchor in the harbour. A mile out we were intercepted by the marina Rib. We were told there was a festival in town tonight and after some negotiations we decided to take a place on the quayside. Later we went into the town. I had a local Sicilian delicacy. It's an ice cream filled brioche, a gelato hamburger. In the evening fireworks were set off on the far side of the harbour. We then went to the town square where lots of people gathered but not much happened. A marching band briefly appeared. A statue was taken into the church. People milled around. Eventually we went back to bed on the boat.

13th September

We watched the dive boats head out and then cast off heading to Levanzo, another of the Egadi islands. Once there we picked up a buoy just past the tiny village that is the only settlement. We spent the afternoon swimming, lying out and catching up on maintenance. In the evening we went out in the dinghy to the village to eat.

12th September

We spent a peaceful night at anchor and for the first time there was no pressure to get up in the morning. After breakfast we made our leisurely way to Marettimo, the most westerly if the Egadi islands. Half way across a pod of about 20 dolphins joined us to play around our bows before heading off. This island is a treasure with one small village, a tiny harbour and no traffic. Before supper we walked into the hills above the village to see the ruins of a Byzantine church.

11th September

It's been a slog but we've made it to the Egadi Islands at the western tip of Sicily and Emily has been able to have her first swim. Apart from a solitary hour we've motored the whole way. Hopefully we'll now manage to get some sailing. We anchored off Favignana. For the first time we saw other boats as there were 10 of us here for the night.

10th September

We made another early start to reach Sciacca before the winds increased. I should have got a motor boat. Once again what winds there were blew straight at us. We were safely moored by the time things got unpleasant. In the evening we walked up to the town overlooking the harbour. There was apparently a festival tonight. Either there wasn't much too it or it was just about to get going when we went back to the boat to sleep.

9th September

Once again the forecast was for light winds becoming stronger from the direction we were aiming for. Today the sun was actually up, just, as we left harbour. We headed for San Leone, 20 miles up the coast. The plan was to get there early enough to visit Agrigento in the afternoon. Agrigento was the fourth largest city in the known world. This was some time ago. It is now, apparently, Sicily's most impressive Greek ruins. We spent a couple of interesting hours there although one roped off temple and several piles of old stones do not compare to Petra or the Parthenon.

8th September

We left at first dawn as adverse winds were forecast for later. The sun rose spectacularly over the hills to the east as we left the harbour. Every type of cloud was visible during the day, as well as patches of clear blue sky, all attesting to the changeable weather. We got into Licata as the wind was building and rested for a few hours after lunch. We then stocked up in the supermarket before heading into town for a meal.

7th September

This morning we carried on sorting out the boat and made another trip to the supermarket. Emily arrived mid afternoon and we celebrated her new job before having an early night. Today we saw some extraordinary cloud formations and a spectacular sunset.

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5th and 6th September

We arrived back at Comiso at 9 p.m. Our taxi driver was waiting to take us to our hotel. Imagine was out of the water and not a comfortable place to spend the night. In the morning we got a lift to the marina and I reattached the propellers. By lunchtime we were back in the water and proved we could go forwards and backwards. The weather was strange; strong winds then calms and even a heavy rain storm. We went to the shops and had to track down a water leak. We're almost back to normal.

18th July

What a frustrating day. We were meant to be lifted out before 9 a.m. It was actually past noon by the time we were on the hard, just in time for the men in the yard to knock off for lunch. While they were away I failed to get the propellers off despite phoning the UK agents for help. Eventually about 4 p.m. I managed to get help. Once the right bolt had been removed it was simple. That left just enough time for an ice cream before catching the bus to the airport. After that things went well until we arrived in Stansted where there were long delays for passport control and then again to get our luggage. When we eventually got to our flat we were glad to be there.

17th July

We're passing time waiting to get lifted tomorrow and then set off home. In the morning we went for a walk. After we cleaned and tidied the boat a bit more. In the evening we went for a meal in town. Light winds are forecast for tomorrow which is good. They would have been too strong over the last few days.


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16th July

We set off early to visit Ragusa. This is the old town some 20 km away. The buildings consist of a crowded heap of houses mixed with palaces and churches all crawling up and down a small stump of mountain. Fortunately the wind kept the temperature down. Back on the boat and it was time to chill and then carry on cleaning Imagine.

15th July

Well now we know, the Maestrale reaches Sicily. We were woken this morning by a thud as Imagine bounced off the harbour wall. All day she strained at her moorings as the wind pushed her onto the quayside. At least it was nowhere as hot. In the evening we put on long trousers and fleeces to go for a walk, and even then Lucinda felt cold. Waves were breaking over the harbour wall. The beach was deserted but the kite boarders and surfers were enjoying the waves.

14th July

Well this is our final stop until we come back in September. It seems a pleasant enough place. Today we prepared Imagine for her summer rest. She'll be lifted out of the water on Monday so I can take the propellers home with me. That will stop someone stealing her.

13th July

We left to Ragusa on the last leg of this section of our journey. We motored across a large bay so we saw very little of the land along the way. Once in Ragusa we refuelled and were directed to our berth. Tomorrow we'll explore.

12th July

We said farewell to the Greens and headed out to Licata. Nine hours of motoring later we were there. So were Anne and Peter on Whitecat. It gave us the chance to catch up over a beer in the town before we headed back to eat on board Imagine.

11th July

Today we headed further east to Sciacca. The marina is tucked into one corner of a large fishing harbour. The old town overlooking the harbour is reached by ascending several terraces of steps. Sue and Roger leave tomorrow and we had our final meal together in a restaurant overlooking the sea.

10th July

Lucinda cleaned the boat, Sue and Roger went shopping and I read the paper. We headed out mid morning, destination Mazara 14 miles to the south east. Later we hit a dense fog bank but we sailed out of it by heading back inshore. Then we were visited by four Dolphins. They were pretty big and languidly made a few passes under our bows before heading off. Clearly not the leapy sort. We eventually arrived in Mazara, the largest trawler port in Italy. At the entrance a man in a boat beckoned us to follow him to the other side of the harbour. He wanted us to moor alongside a grotty motorboat where we would almost be touching the bottom. We said no thanks. On the way out we touched the bottom but managed to plough our way through the mud to deeper water. We then went to the pontoon where we were charged a steep fee. The wind was in the wrong direction to anchor outside the harbour, we didn't want to go back and it was too far to go on so, reluctantly, we stayed.

9th July

It was time to leave the islands. We sailed the short distance to Marsala on the mainland. From the harbour it was a long walk into the old town. It only started to come alive late in the evening by which time we were eating and heading back to the boat.

8th July

We decided to stay one more day in the islands. They are lovely but there aren't many places to go on them. We sailed back across to the main island and picked up a buoy in a popular anchorage where we remained for the night.

7th July

Before breakfast Lucinda and climbed to the castle on top of the hill overlooking the harbour. The castle was not very interesting but the views were magnificent. We then sailed across to Isola Levanzo and picked up a buoy. The water must have been warm as Lucinda and I both had a swim. In the evening we took the dinghy round the corner to the small village that counts as the main urban centre on the island where we ate supper.

6th July

There was no urgency to get up this morning. Sue went for a swim and then we went round to the other side of the island and anchored for lunch in a small bay. Later we motored to the harbour and negotiated a mooring on the quay. We then walked to the tuna museum which, perhaps surprisingly, was fascinating. There is an enormous tuna canning plant. It used to be a huge industry based on enormous nets to corral the fish. We managed to reprovision. After supper I went to watch Wales unsuccessfully take on Portugal in the Euros.

4th and 5th July

We set off early back east along the coast. At Villiasimius we filled up with diesel. The forecast looked OK for the crossing to Sicily so we decided to go for it. While in sight of land the we managed to sail, although the sea was lumpy and unpleasant. As we got further out the surface smoothed out but the wind, although light, was from the east. A few Dolphins came to give us the once over in the late afternoon. They came leaping through the water, went to our bow and then disappeared. The night was moonless and, looking up, stars studded the sky. At mid morning we spotted the first of the Egadi islands, wreathed in fog. Eventually we dropped anchor off the south coast of the island of Favignana. The weather was perfect for the crossing, but only in the opposite direction. We needed the engines almost all the way across. In the evening we went ashore and walked across to the main town on the other side of the island, about one mile.

3rd July

Sue and Roger flew into Cagliari so we had to go there to meet them. The light winds turned out to be strong easterlies so we bashed our way 20 miles to windward at a painfully slow speed. They had already arrived by the time we got there. We went into town to eat before heading back to Imagine for an early night.

2nd July

We had a tedious 11 hour motor with BOTH engines to the southeastern tip of Sardinia. We're picking up Sue and Roger tomorrow in Cagliari which is 20 miles away. We spent the night anchored off a beach close to the marina.

1st July

Today was Sophie's birthday. Lucinda exceeded her step target on a long walk along the cliff edge in the morning. Another day in harbour gave us the chance to get the washing done and clean the boat. In the evening I watched Wales take on Belgium in the Euros and gain an unexpected but well deserved win.

30th June

All too often the wind is against us. It was again today. We motored slowly south across a big bay until we finally reached Santa Maria Navarrese, about half way down the east coast. In the evening we had a meal on a terrace overlooking the bay and then I watched Portugal beat Poland on penalties after extra time.

29th June

Today was overcast, cooler and almost windless. It was also our wedding anniversary. We motored south to La Caletta. Last time we were here, that time heading north, it was gusting force 9 and we arrived feeling battered. This time Lucinda was lying out on the side decks while I listened to Country music on my headphones. In the afternoon we went for a walk along the beach and back. When we returned to Imagine the marineros asked us to move to make way for a large day-trip boat. By this time the wind was blowing strongly and pushing us against the quay. It required some guile and brute force to get out but our new berth round the corner was much more sheltered.

28th June

As we didn't have to meet Sue and Roger we decided to set off towards the bottom of Sardinia. In much calmer weather we threaded our way between islands to anchor off the island of Tavolara. The views towards the mainland were stunning. There were two restaurants by the beach. This was probably the nicest place we had found so far. We ate in the less posh restaurant just very slightly spoilt by the big blingy motorboat that parked blocking most of the view.

27th June

As we were still on the pontoon we took the opportunity to go for a long walk up to the top of the hill overlooking the bay. The wind was still blowing hard all day. In the evening we went onto another boat for drinks before going to watch the football. England versus Iceland should have been one sided. Iceland won. It was dire and Roy Hodgson resigned. Who wants to be English these days?


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26th June

Annoyingly it remained calm overnight. However there are advantages to being on a pontoon and the wind got up again in the afternoon. We all had ice creams and Lucinda went to the laundrette before we saw Emily off on the bus to Olbia airport. Later two British couples on other boats came aboard for pre dinner drinks. In the meantime Germany won their Euros match and most of Jeremy Corbyn's cabinet resigned.

25th June

A few other boats stayed overnight in this big anchorage. The wind increased once again in the morning but faded away as we motored back south to Cannnigione. We anchored outside the marina. As the afternoon went on the wind increased. It's meant to be blowing hard for the next three days. I couldn't face the thought of bouncing around anymore. We went into the marina to a walk ashore pontoon to be paid for from my newly devalued euros. At least it gave me the opportunity to watch Wales vs Northern Ireland.

24th June

An historic day. The UK voted Brexit. Nothing seemed to have changed in our anchorage except Imagine with it's British ensign was surrounded by foreigners. Somehow it felt different. We had an exhilarating sail to the mainland. The wind was blowing strongly once again. The kite boarders and wind surfers loved it flying (sometimes literally) around our anchorage. We were rocking, the bay full of white horses and the wind once again screaming through the rigging. We were anchored off a long sandy beach but did not manage to get to the shore.

23rd June

Lucinda and I went for a walk on the cliffs overlooking Bonifacio. A superyacht left the harbour dwarfing Imagine. We left the marina and headed to the Corsican island of Lavezzi. The anchorage lay within a ring of rocks. Later we went for a walk ashore before settling down for the night. In the morning we will find out if we are in or out of the EU. We hope Sophie's move went OK although the news is full of reports of flooding in SE England.

22nd June

This time we didn't pay the park charges. There were still no buoys and no one came to bother us. We'd heard that Bonifacio in Corsica is worth visiting so me motored across the strait dividing it from Sardinia switching from Italian to French courtesy flags. The old town is perched on hollowed out cliffs facing out to sea. The harbour is down a narrow inlet which was teaming with manoeuvring boats, as well as a couple of superyachts. We reprovisioned and went into the old town to eat.

21st June

Lucinda and I got back in the boat at 1 a.m. Feeling slightly jaded. At 3 a.m. Emily, who had gone back to the boat earlier, woke up worried that we hadn't made it back. We motored and sailed seven miles north to anchor in the Cala Giorgio where three of the Maddalena islands enclose a magical anchorage. At lunchtime it was quite crowded with day trippers and tourist boats. By sun down there were about a dozen boats left at anchor. Lots of people were swimming from their boats. Emily tested the water temperature and we all opted to have a hot shower on board. In the evening we witnessed one of the most spectacular sunsets before the full moon rose in the east.

20th June

We were planning to go to Porto Pozzo and Harry and Margot said they were going there and to join them for supper. The weather wasn't bad although the light wind, inevitably, was blowing straight at us as we motored round. The restaurant has a pontoon so we moored alongside which meant we had power and could fill with water. We were joined by Sean and Bernie, Irish friends of the others. After a few beers we went for a walk before we ate. What a delightful and peaceful place, great food and fantastic company.

19th June

We headed north and managed to dodge the rain clouds. By lunchtime we were anchored outside of Cannnigione. Shortly after the rain descended. By the time I'd read the papers the weather had improved and Lucinda and I went ashore for a walk and to shop. Later Margot and Harry from No Agenda came over for drinks and we put the world to rights.

18th June

We thought we'd go to Olbia to meet Emily who is flying in this afternoon. They quoted €122 for a night so we thought again. Porto Rotondo was nearby and accessible from the airport. In the three days since we were last there fees have gone up by 80%, but it was still cheaper than Olbia and more convenient to get among the Maddelenas and mainland anchorages. We sat at anchor in a cove near the marina and went in mid afternoon. Emily joined us late afternoon. The wind was blowing hard, again. I've now learned Sardinia is known as the windy island, and rain is forecast for tomorrow. Tonight we had pizzas and watched the football.

17th June

We sailed 20 miles back south and anchored in Cala di Volpe in time for lunch. People were swimming off other boats but Lucinda and I decided the water was far too cold. Later we took the dinghy to the beach and had a walk before heading back to Imagine for the night.

16th June

We had a windless night at anchor. In the morning we motored a mile further into the inlet and picked up a buoy opposite Cannagione. After lunch we went ashore. I found a bar to watch the football while Lucinda went for a walk. A desultory handful of Brits watched England against Wales. The game was dire and England looked relieved to get a 90th minute winning goal. By this time the wind had got up again so we stayed on board for supper.

15th June

This morning for the first time in three days there were no white horses in the bay outside the marina. We motored north in a light breeze and practiced the man over board drill. By noon the wind had increased to 15 knots, inevitable blowing directly from the direction of our destination. Nonetheless it was great to be moving once again and, with Lucinda on the side deck soaking up the sun, we motored slowly onwards. We anchored in time for a late lunch and stayed the night at anchor.

14th June

The wind has continued whistling, groaning, wailing and screaming. We're in the most sheltered part of the marina so only rock gently and vibrate from the effect of the wind on our shrouds. Our mooring ropes have been stretched tight but so far have held. This morning we took the bus to the Jewel of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo. The row of superyachts and the quayside Rolls Royce dealership told us this was not the Sardinian equivalent of Lowestoft, or even Cowes. We wandered around. It was quiet and soulless. Then we took the bus back. Lucinda cleaned the boat while I had a siesta.

13th June

The sea was being whipped into froth and Imagine was quivering on her mooring. The forecast was accurate. It gave us an opportunity to catch up with all our tasks and go shopping, have a walk, watch a DVD.

12th June

The Mistral was on its way with very strong winds forecast for the next three days. Rather than sail round to Olbia we decided to stay in our smart purpose built marina. Melanie and Kennan were leaving so we took the bus to Olbia. We were wrong in our assumption it would stop in the centre of the town. By the time we realised we had a fair walk back to the town. On the way back we came upon a small restaurant that was serving large Sunday dinners to local families so at 2:30 p.m. we sat down to dig into the fare. It was an entirely satisfying lunch that took us most of the way towards the time for our guests to go to the airport and for us to return to the boat. The harbour in Olbia is industrial and unattractive. We were happy to get on the bus back again. By this time the wind had increased and the sea was covered with white horses. Imagine vibrated as the wind tore through the rigging but we were safe and comfortable in harbour.

11th June

It was colder and overcast. We sailed south through the islands to Porto Rotondo. Many millions of pounds worth of boats were passed on the way including Dilbar, the biggest private yacht by volume if not length. It was bloody big however you measure it. The massive racing boats were also out. We arrived in time to go to the restaurant by the marina and have Pizzas separate by Euro 2016 matches.

10th June

We had an undisturbed night at anchor along with several other boats. No sign of the park warden. After breakfast we slowly made our way to anchor off Isola Budelli, one of the northern islands. This was clearly the place to go. It's an idyllic anchorage with a sandy beach and is a prime destination for day trip tourist boats. By 4 p.m. Most of the boats had cleared off. No one had come to check our permit or tell us to go, so we stayed put for the night.

9th June

Melanie and I went to find the Maddelena park office. It took some time but we got there. We obtained the 40% discount not available online for a permit for two nights to stay in the protected areas. Then we were told we could only anchor up to 10 p.m. but needed to be attached to a buoy if we wanted to stay overnight. One slight problem they hadn't got round to laying the buoys. Anyway we sailed to the next island and anchored in a sheltered bay. Over the afternoon several more boats joined us. We took the dinghy ashore and went for a walk. In the evening most of the boats were still at anchor so we decided to stay. By nightfall no one had asked us to move.

8th June

In the morning we had a lovely downwind sail of 12 miles to the marina at La Maddalena, the only town on the main island. The seafront and one road behind were quaint and attractive. Behind that was a semi-industrial area of no great beauty. After we walked through town we had a siesta before going out to eat.

7th June

It was time to head 25 miles to the east. As we set off the port engine exhibited the signs of a rope wrapped round the propeller. Not again! We made our way under sail and with some help from the starboard engine. By four p.m. We were at anchor. There were already another eight boats in the bay. Up to now we've hardly seen any other boats outside of the marinas. It was time to get into the wetsuit again. There was a long length of rope around the propeller. It took some time and nifty knife work but I think I freed it.

6th June

We were back courtesy of Ryanair. The boat was where we left her so we went to the supermarket to stock up. Later we went to the old town above the harbour. Finally the weather was warm enough to eat outside.

26th May

This morning we had to move to a different mooring. Lines were cast off and we were ready to go. It then became clear we had a line round the starboard propeller, again. A diver from Sassari would take time and be expensive. On went my wet suit and weight belt, and I was over the side. Ten minutes later we were free. But now the port engines is making worrying noises. Never mind, we'll have a cup of tea and pack up in preparation of leaving tomorrow.

25th May

This morning we set off back to Castelsardo. The wind was lighter but still force 4. It was cold and uncomfortable beating to windward to get to our destination. By early afternoon we were docked and we will leave Imagine here until we return in about 10 days. Later I met my new best friend, Giuseppe, a marine electrician. I need a new VRS and two solar panel regulators. Once they are sorted that only leaves the malfunctioning heater and wonky propeller that I know of. There will be other things.

24th May

Th wind continued unabated overnight. At least we got a good night's sleep sheltered in the marina. We explored the town in the morning. In the afternoon we had a long walk to a tower overlooking both sides of the ocean, the open sea to the west, and the more sheltered bay to the east. The narrow Fornelli passage was outlined by frothy breakers. The anchorage below us was a pale iridescent blue. In the evening we are ashore.

23rd May

Last night was like being back in the washing machine. Imagine jiggled and surged and bounced attached to the buoy as we had another night of strong winds. We planned to stay another tonight but we decided we couldn't face it. In a force 7 wind we headed 8 miles across the bay to Stintino. It was a struggle to berth in a strong cross wind. Somehow we managed it without getting ropes round the propellers. The wind shows no sign of abating but at least we can walk ashore.

22nd May

We stayed at our peaceful anchorage until after lunch. Our destination, the island of Asinara was 6 miles away. Once there and tied to a buoy we went ashore for a walk. By nightfall we were the only boat there, and for all we know the only people left in the island.

21st May

The wind was light and the sky was blue. Not quite hot enough for shorts but a definite improvement. We tried sailing but then had to motor almost to the western edge of the island. Here we dropped anchor in the company of another 8 or 9 boats. By nightfall most had gone and as the sun set over the very end of Sardinia we prepared to spend the night at anchor.

20th May

For once it was a lovely day. In the morning we took the short bus trip up to the old town of Castelsardo which unsurprisingly means Sardinian castle. The castle was small but perfectly formed and housed a museum of basket weaving. There was also a cute church and a modest cathedral to see before stopping for a drink. The view over the harbour and surrounding countryside was stunning. We then walked back to the boat. In the evening we went back to the town to eat.

19th May

A day of mixed progress. We hung around all morning to see if they could lift Imagine. Then shortly before noon they said let's go. She was hoisted without fuss although her sides got dirty. They then pressure washed her and went for lunch while I changed the anodes and serviced the propellers. It was obvious that one set of props were different from the other. I had a long conversation with the U.K. agent and we concluded that it probably wasn't catastrophic, which of course left the possibility that it could be. By the time we were back in the water the weather had turned miserable again and the boat, which Lucinda had cleaned yesterday, was dirty once more. At this point we gave up and sat inside reading.

18th May

The wind died away in the late evening and for the first time we spent a peaceful night at anchor. The winds today were light or nonexistent so we took the opportunity to motor through the Strait of Bonifacio to head west down the northern coast of Sardinia. On the other side of the Strait is Corsica, only six miles away. By early evening we were in the marina of Castelsardo under the buildings of the old town and castle. We have now almost circumnavigated Sardinia, a total of 400 miles over the last two weeks.

Re: 17th May

My mistake, we're heading west

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> On 17 May 2016, at 16:16, David Home <david.goldhill@btinternet.com> wrote:
>
> This morning we felt we'd spent the whole night in a washing machine. We were churned up by a nasty chop that swirled around our mooring. Once again, depressingly, the forecast was for strong winds from the west. We slowly ground our way over the top of Sardinia and, for the first time, started heading east. All the time the wind was against us, and getting stronger most of the time. Eventually we made our anchorage, Porto Palma, on the island of Caprera in the Maddalenas. It would be wonderful if only the wind would abate. There are only four boats at anchor including us, three Brits and a Kiwi. All the sensible people are safely in harbour.

17th May

This morning we felt we'd spent the whole night in a washing machine. We were churned up by a nasty chop that swirled around our mooring. Once again, depressingly, the forecast was for strong winds from the west. We slowly ground our way over the top of Sardinia and, for the first time, started heading east. All the time the wind was against us, and getting stronger most of the time. Eventually we made our anchorage, Porto Palma, on the island of Caprera in the Maddalenas. It would be wonderful if only the wind would abate. There are only four boats at anchor including us, three Brits and a Kiwi. All the sensible people are safely in harbour.

16th May

Boy was it windy last night. The wind didn't whistle, it screamed. But in the morning we were still there. We cast off and headed north. At last we can slow down as we are three quarters of the way round Sardinia and for once we are entering an area with many safe anchorages and harbours. It was slow progress getting to our destination. We planned to anchor but as we approached there was a man on a pontoon beckoning us over. Why not I thought. He helped us in and then told us it would be 80 euros for the night. After haggling he said 60 was his best price. We said we'd leave but while casting off I got lines round both props. By the time it was sorted we thought we ought to stay; that was 60 for the mooring and 20 plus a beer for the diver who freed the lines. Next time we anchor.

15th May

Today's forecast was for even stronger winds so we stayed put. In fact for most of the day it wasn't too bad although a boat that arrived from the south reported similar conditions to yesterday. We managed to find an open supermarket in the morning and walked along the beach in the afternoon.

14th May

The Mistral, a strong westerly wind, continued to blow. As we headed north up the coast of Sardinia we had to cross the Golfo di Orosei. We were warned that the wind is funnelled off the mountains at this point. Well they weren't wrong. The day started pleasantly enough but as we reached the gulf the wind increased and for the next 3 hours we had winds of 30 knots or more with at least one gust of over 40. That's windy, perhaps the highest speeds we've encountered so far on Imagine. Although there were plenty of white horses the sea wasn't too bad as the wind was coming off the shore. After we closed the land things were a little easier but the direction turned against us so it continued to be hard work. Later on the wind increased again blowing a steady force 8 and gusting 9. Fortunately there was another harbour eight miles short of our destination and we headed there happy that we had done enough for the day. There were white horses in the marina and the wind whistled through the rigging and tugged at our mooring ropes. The boat is now in the centre of a cat's cradle of lines. It's going to take more than a strong puff of wind to move us now. Someday we hope to have the warm weather, calm seas and gentle breezes that we expected.

13th May

For once there was no urgency to roll out of bed and get going. Lucinda did the washing and then we went shopping. Sadly no chocolate chip biscuits and, so far, we've seen no evidence that pickle or lime cordial are known about in Sardinia. After lunch we took a walk along a spectacular coastal path meeting groups of elderly tourists with stout shoes and walking sticks coming the other way.

12th May

After three miles we turned the corner at the bottom of Sardinia and headed north along the east coast. It was a bit cold and I sat at the helm with a blanket wrapped round me. Otherwise it was the best conditions so far; a decent beam breeze, flattish seas and even large patches of blue sky. We passed a fishing boat called Alice going the other way. There was a military helicopter flying circles ahead. As we got level we were intercepted (again) and ordered four miles off shore. At least the wind direction didn't make this detour too onerous. The wind increased even further and we had long periods when we were moving at more than 7 knts despite our dirty bottom. Ten miles out from our destination the wind suddenly vanished so we slowly motored in. It was a long day but, eventually, after sailing 62 miles we tied up in the marina at Santa Maria Navarrese

11th May

The diver promised for 6am didn't arrive. He was then coming at 9 and eventually arrived at 10. It took him less than a minute to disentangle the rope and then we were off. For the first hour we were in fog with visibility of a few hundred metres. When it cleared we had a strong wind but this time it was from behind. We decided to skip Cagliari and went across to Villasimius where we refuelled. At last we're making progress.

10th May

The forecast was not great but better than any we'd had so far so we decided to go for it. It was blowing 20 knts in the harbour which meant a double reef in the mainsail before we cautiously crept out expecting the worst. Within 20 minutes the wind had almost disappeared and we were motoring. The first half of the journey was pleasant, then the wind got up. Inevitably it was blowing hard from where we were headed. Just when we were getting close to rounding a headland a patrol boat ordered us three miles off shore to avoid a NATO firing range. By this time Lucinda was lying prostrate on the floor. We had a long detour and the wind and waves increased. We arrived, eventually, and safely moored to the jetty. The marinero then arrived and wanted us to go to the other side. And that was when a line got wrapped round the propeller. A cup of tea, a biscuit and a shower made things feel better. The marina is in the middle of nowhere. Later we took a taxi six kilometres to the town for a very mediocre meal.

9th May

We're still stuck. Today we hired bicycles and pedalled to the other side of the island. In all directions we pushed on into a strong headwind. Outside of Carloforte nothing is open; not a pizza place, not a bar. We had our packed lunch on a desolate windswept beach watching the white horses out to sea. There is a lot of waiting involved with sailing at this time of year.

8th May

At least the rain has stopped but the wind is blowing strongly from where we want to head. We went to walk round the big fresh water lagoon behind the town. It was deserted until we came across the cemetery. Large family mausoleums were lined up in rows. The names of the dead were given a relevance through the photos stuck to the front of each mausoleum. Families were laying fresh cut flowers on them. We then got lost and had to retrace our route until we found the right path. A few desultory flamingos were plodding along in the shallow. Back in the centre of the town boys were playing football and families were out in the few bars that were opened. We read the papers and watched a DVD. It's forecast to be even windier tomorrow.

7th May

As forecast today has been truly miserable. It's been raining pretty much all day. Outside it is grey and gloomy. Somehow it is made worse knowing the UK has glorious weather. We're safe, warm and comfortable on the boat but it's not exactly what we signed up for.

6th May

The forecast for tomorrow is miserable and it's not great for today or Sunday. And with strong easterly winds it doesn't look as though we will be heading east anytime soon. We took ourselves off to a small town four miles up a narrow channel and anchored for lunch. Kite boarders and wind surfers swooped around us as they enjoyed the strong winds in shallow sheltered water. We couldn't leave Imagine to go ashore so after lunch we headed back to the marina. This time with the wind behind we flew along under foresail only.

5th May

The sunrise was spectacular. We slipped the buoy and headed south. With little wind we motored on past Buggerru to the Isola di San Pietro and the marina of Carloforte. The bleak shore had little shelter and few signs of life. Apart from a few distant fishing boats we were all alone. Marinas are full of boats that never seem to leave but they had plenty of space for us. Lucinda was overjoyed as there was a washing machine. Later on our boat was draped with drying clothes. We then went ashore to see what this resort town had to offer. It is famed for its tuna restaurants. After wandering the streets and finding almost everything closed we had a pizza.

4th May

We are now 46 miles further south after an early start from Alghero. There was a swell that made us realise we hadn't been to sea for a while. We took seasick pills which promptly sent Lucinda to sleep. The weather was good but we had a cold wind in our faces. Later a small bird hitched a lift. It was bold enough to sit on the wheel just in front of us. When we got to the Gulf of Oristano we picked up a buoy just off the ruins of the Punic-Roman town of Tharros.

3rd May

We're off, but only a short distance. After lunch we took the big psychological jump and left Fertilia. It was only to go two miles across the bay to Alghero. We tied up to the town quay for the night. We met two British couples with boats close by. That let to drinks on board one of their boats before we left for a pizza in town. With luck we'll be heading South tomorrow.

2nd May

Well we didn't leave today and we're not leaving tomorrow. Six out of the eight main boat batteries are duds. The mechanics have been fabulous. They've been here all day. They've taken all the batteries out. Bear in mind they're heavy truck units. They've relocated them into a more accessible place. We've ditched two of them to make it work but that still leaves us with plenty of power in theory. It only remained to hit the credit card hard. It's been overcast, cold and rainy so staying wasn't an issue. There are always problems. Fingers crossed the battery problems are now solved. What will be next?

1st May

This morning was clear so we took our chance and went for a long walk along the coast and back. Lucinda, as usual, plucked random flowers from the roadside. As predicted in the afternoon a storm blew in with strong winds and rain. We were cosy on Imagine rocking on our moorings reading the paper and then watching two more episodes of Game of Thrones.

30th April

Today was meant to be for final jobs before heading off. The dinghy was placed on the davits, instruments checked, and then I came to start the engines. Port engine started first time. However, starboard engine is dead as a Dodo. A quick phone call summoned David who had serviced the engines last year. The engine starting battery is dead and needs replacing. So it will be Monday at the earliest before it gets replaced. There's always something going wrong in a boat.

29th April

We were up and out by 7 a.m. The sky was blue for the first time and there was no wind. The main was on before breakfast. The diver hadn't turned up but I discovered he was here and getting changed. It took him about 15 minutes to clean and check underneath. We were still in time to walk to the square and catch the bus to Sassari.

The guide book says that on first sight Sassari is not an immediately appealing place. It didn't improve on looking further. We came back on the narrow gauge railway. Well at least it got us out of the house.

28th April

Today was cold (ish) and overcast. The promised diver didn't make it today and is now, possibly, coming majana. Anyway the weather for the weekend is miserable so no chance of heading off in the meantime. It was too windy to put on the mainsail but all the other major jobs have been done. We're off for a proper Italian pizza in town and then on with murder, treachery, incest and dragons in Game of Thrones.

27th April

Today we put on both the foresails. Still the main to go. The roller reefing at the end of the bowsprit needed attention. Somehow I found myself sitting in the bosun's chair dangling over the water unable to get back in the boat. It seemed a good idea at the time. We unpacked our new dinghy and painted a name on it which reads IMAG NE as we only have one set of stencils. A diver was meant to come to clean the propellers and check underneath. He's coming Domani now, a word we've heard quite a lot. Tonight episode two series five of Game of Thrones.

26th April

It takes adjusting to being on the boat. All night the boat rocked gently and the lines squeaked. This morning we carried on cleaning. An underwater video showed barnacles covering our propellers. They can't lift the boat here. Lucinda won't get her hair wet so there was only one thing for it. Believe it or not I went over the side in my wet suit. It wasn't too bad. However the suit provided so much buoyancy that I kept on bobbing up and couldn't get down to the props. Back to the drawing board. In the afternoon we took the bus again to Alghero. Today the shops were open so we're stocked up.

25th April

The flight from Stansted was uneventful as was the 10 minute taxi ride from airport to marina. Imagine looked pretty good as well. We decided to go to Alghero to stock up. It soon became apparent there was a festival today. All the shops were shut, there was a funfair in town and the streets were lined with market stalls. We managed to get a few basic supplies, had an ice cream for lunch, and went to bed early accompanied by the beat from the music in the town.

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