1st October

That's it, we've circumnavigated Sicily and are now back in Marina Di Ragusa. We sailed 802.4 miles before our return to the UK and have just completed another 490.7 for our trip round the island. Our season total is 1293.1 miles. It only remains to pack up before flying back in two days from now.

30th September

Today was the last day of the rally. It started with a group breakfast and debrief. We then walked to visit on old church and the castle overlooking the town. In the evening we had the final event, a farewell awards ceremony and dinner. It's been interesting and we're glad we took part. We've made some friends who we hope to see again.

29th September

Somehow our leader Armando persuaded the local chandlery to take all my out of date flares. At last someone to take the explosives off the boat. Our tour today was to Agrigento, first the town for lunch and then to see the Greek temples. The evening was rounded off with a presentation of local wines and olive oil.

28th September

It's definitely that end of term feeling. Although we still have one more hop to do to Marina Di Ragusa we spent today packing up the boat ready for our departure next Tuesday.

27th September

Six am brought a big thunderstorm and a few hours of rain. We sat inside at anchor and watched the drizzle outside. By mid morning it had cleared and we motored to Licata, the final stop on our round Sicily rally. From here it is a relatively short distance to our winter berth. All the other boats headed here so we are once again together.

26th September

Most of the fleet decided to stay in harbour for another day. We motored East over a flat sea to anchor off a rock formation called the Turkish steps. The white rocks have been eroded to form a bank of natural steps rising steeply out of the sea. Towards nightfall crowds gathered on the steps to watch the sunset.

25th September

We still had 40 miles to make down the coast to Sciacca. Although the wind started light it picked up later and we had a few hours sailing downwind. We've been here before, twice, but it's a nice town and another opportunity to go ashore and stretch our legs.

24th September

At 6am Imagine started jerking at her lines. A massive thunderstorm hit the harbour. Lightning illuminated the early dawn, thunder crashed above and buckets of water fell from the sky. In a brief lull I dashed out in my trunks to empty the dinghy of water. An hour later all was calm and we dried off and took the opportunity to hoist the genoa which we had taken down yesterday because of equipment failure. Later we went to a small market, wandered briefly around the old town and returned to Imagine for lunch. Tomorrow we're meant to go to Pantalleria, an open water sail there of 60 miles and up to 100 miles to come back. Two of the boats have mutinied and won't do it. Instead of a tough few days to finish the rally we've now got a gentle cruise in prospect. We're not too disappointed.

18th September

We had the boat to ourselves. What to do? The weather was OK so we decided to press on to Cefalu 50 miles west along the coast of Sicily. Our leader pressed ahead overnight, one boat has mutinied and stayed in the islands and of the other four only two are together. For us it was a long tedious motor on gently rolling seas.

23rd September

We left early to get to Marsala by 10:00. When everyone was ready we were treated to a tour of the local producer of Marsala wine. This was followed by a tasting of several glasses of the fortified wine. It was then necessary to lie down for a couple of hours. In the late afternoon we went in a convoy of cars to the salt pans of Trapani. We learned how sea salt was produced and watched the sun go down behind the salt works. It was then all back in the car and off for supper. The venue was in an old quarry. The food was taken outside on long benches. Many toasts were made by members of the brotherhood of the coast (don't ask). We finally got back to the boat well past midnight.

22nd September

After breakfast we climbed up to the castle overlooking the town and were rewarded with a great view south over the harbour. By the time we got back Akaroa II had tied up to the town quay and we moved to moor alongside. In the evening we joined them for a meal in the town.

Fwd: 22nd September

This should be 21st

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Begin forwarded message:

From: david goldhill <davidrgoldhill@gmail.com>
Date: 23 September 2017 at 19:59:38 CEST
To: Imagine Blogger <david.goldhill.lepicaron@blogger.com>
Subject: 22nd September

It was time to move on to the Egadi Islands. Another long and tedious passage motoring most of the way brought us to Favignana. After anchoring to check the props we decided to head for the harbour and attached to a pontoon for the night.

22nd September

It was time to move on to the Egadi Islands. Another long and tedious passage motoring most of the way brought us to Favignana. After anchoring to check the props we decided to head for the harbour and attached to a pontoon for the night.

20th September

How wonderful to be secured to a pontoon. That didn't stop the hard blackout Perspex falling on Lucinda three times in the night. It was windy in the bay but we were happy to explore the town and do the shopping. I had a siesta while Lucinda cleaned the boat. We then went to town to eat and think of those in the UK celebrating the Jewish New Year.

19th September

In the night the wind had done a U turn. After a rolly night we didn't want to stay so headed out. It was hard work motoring to windward but we persisted. We struggled on for 9 hours and fifty miles until we rounded the final headland and could sail the last twelve miles to our destination of Castellamarr Del Golfo where we moored next to Armando, our leader. On mooring I managed to get a rope around the propeller. Once that was sorted we had time for drinks, a light meal and an early night, for once safely attached to a stable pontoon.

18th September

We woke up and conditions were too good to miss the chance to make progress. We headed 50 miles east to Cefalu riding a big swell with light winds from behind. We arrived just as Akaroa II headed out. They are much faster and we were tired so we decided not to follow them but anchored for the night.

17th September

We set off after an early breakfast to climb the volcano once again. We came back via Antonio's for a granita and booked a table for the evening at Maurizio's. Tomorrow's winds look favourable. After that it's going to be hard to make progress westward. David and Nanci checked into a room for the night as we were considering leaving to sail overnight and make the most of the weather. After much discussion and dithering we decided to stay as did most of the other boats. Sadly the Rally is in danger of falling apart.

26th September

We left our peaceful anchorage and after two miles the wind suddenly blew up to 30 knots. Change of plan and we diverted from Stromboli to Volcano. 16 miles out the wind suddenly dropped and we slowly sailed to our destination going via the fuel bay to fill our tanks. In the evening we wandered round the town before eating on board.

15th September

Today's task was to get through the Strait of Messina. The forecast was for light winds and a favourable tide. Inevitably the winds were very strong and directly against us, and the tide was also from the wrong direction until we had almost got through the Strait. It was a long slog on two engines only relieved by brief sail as we crossed to the Italian mainland at the beginning of the Strait. Once through the gap the wind and seas completely subsided as though a switch had been turned. We picked up a buoy for the night. I had time to service the toilet which needed urgent attention. Three other rally boats were there. In the evening we ate together in a restaurant in the town.

Really the 14th September

Of course yesterday's blog should have been the 13th.

The night was quiet but a bit rolly. After breakfast we went ashore and eventually found ourselves in Taormina. We wandered through the crowded pedestrian streets lined with smart shops. A taxi took as to the small town higher up the mountain where we had lunch. Back in Taormina we had time to see the Greek theatre before heading to Etna. What an incredible sight it is. A huge area of old lava dotted with craters all sitting on a huge magma collection some 12 km below the surface. At nearly 2,000 metres above sea level we were warmly dressed as we watched the sun set over the rugged, barren, lava desert.

14th September

I forgot to say we saw dolphins, about 6 for about 5 minutes

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14th September

Today's destination was nearly 50 miles north up the coast of Sicily so we set off as soon as we got up. Winds were light so we mainly motored to arrive off Taormina by late afternoon where we anchored for the night. Later we entertained most of the other participants. Imagine sunk low in the water with the wright of humanity. The anchorage was rolly but otherwise fine.

12th September

We spent a secure night at anchor although we were told wind strength touched 45 knots. Before breakfast we took Imagine back to the public quay. The morning was spent with a guide exploring Syracuse with lunch in the market. Those interested went in the afternoon to the archeological sites. In the evening Lucinda, myself, David and Nanci had a drink in a bar overlooking the harbour followed by dinner in the old town.

11th September

It's been fun and games today. It was OK until about 7 am. Then the wind increased. The boats alongside of us had concerns. We were OK but I was worried we might be damaged by the boat alongside and, with the forecast saying winds would increase, I decided to head out and anchor in the bay. Most of the rally boats made the same decision. We spent the day holed up but comfortable, catching up on sleep and reading.

10th September

We set off at 5am towards Syracuse and were rewarded by a spectacular sunrise. The sun appeared as a large dull red glowing balloon rising rapidly over the low lying land. The 60 miles to our destination were uneventful with a mixture of motoring, motor sailing and finally sailing without engines for the last couple of hours. Nanci took until late morning to perk up. David suffered from seasickness for most of the journey only making it to the cockpit as we neared our destination. By then the wind and got up and it was too strong for us to moor on the town quay so we anchored in the bay. Later there was a lull and we tied up ashore, attached a multitude of lines and went for a meal.

7th to 9th September.

We needed a bit more time to prepare Imagine and get to know the sailors joining us on the rally. A motley crew is as good a description as any. Two British boats, a German, a French, a Swiss and an Australian along with our leader. On the Friday it rained torrentially all day. Lucinda's hairdresser, Michael, visited with his aged mother who, aided by her stick, had to be goaded across the gangplank. David and Nanci Lister turned up in the evening. Fortunately the weather had improved so we were able to go out to eat. Saturday was busy with all day tours to Ragusa, Modica and Scicli followed by a cultural experience and meal in a cheese makers.

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4th to 6th September

For those waiting expectantly for the blog, the wait is over. We got here uneventfully on Monday. The weather is hot but not unbearably. We've been sorting out Imagine and getting her ready for our departure on Sunday or Monday. We've met some of the people joining us on the rally round Sicily. It should be fun.

We're adjusting to being afloat again. It doesn't take long.

3rd July

Our last day at sea. The wind was from the west so it was somewhat tedious motor sailing to finally get to our base in Marina Di Ragusa.

2nd July

Off to Porto Palo at the south east tip of Sicily. For once a cracking downwind sail.

1st July

Roger and Sue went exploring and we moved to the marina. It meant shopping was easy and we could walk out to eat in the town

1st July

Happy birthday Sophie. Lucinda woke me at 3am as she thought the boat next door at anchor was too close. It wasn't but I didn't get back to sleep until after 5 am. In the morning Roger and Sue went to look round Syracuse. I felt knackered so rather than staying at anchor we came into the marina and I spent the afternoon asleep. It also made it possible to walk to a restaurant for our evening meal.

30th June

We continued heading south to Siracusa. We started off motoring in calm seas and ended up pounding into spray in 25 knots of wind. We are now safely at anchor off Siracusa.

29th June

Our anniversary. One person remembered. Thanks. Today we passed through the Strait of Messina. The forecast was for light winds. That was not what we got. For once the wind was behind so we had a fast and enjoyable passage south to Riposto where we are moored in the shadow of mount Etna.

27th June

We motored to Stromboli. On the way we passed Panarea where the superyacht S of two Russian oligarchs were moored along with a superyacht support vessel called garçon. Garçon carried the toys including a helicopter and an assorted array of boats. In the evening we walked to the pizzeria overlooking the volcano. The pizza was better than last week as were the eruptions.

26th June

There was no urgency to get up and we drifted across to Lipari to anchor for lunch. We returned to Vulcano and, once again, climbed the volcano. It was then off as usual to Maurizio to eat followed by ice cream at Antonios.

25th June

We hired a car to explore the island. It didn't take long. One view, a short drive to the far end of the island for lunch, and that was it. In the evening Sue and Roger arrived.

24th June

Emily and Tanner left early to go to Catania. After breakfast Lucinda and I climbed to the top of the volcano, again. Why? Because it's there. The afternoon spent on maintenance in, on and under the boat. Pizza and ice cream in the evening.

23rd June

It's Tanner's birthday. We anchored off the south coast of Lipari for lunch and then came to Vulcano for the night. In the evening we had a farewell dinner in town for Emily and Tanner.

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22nd June

Today we stayed in Lipari. Emily and Tanner did their own thing. Lucinda and I explored the town. The archeological museum had a lot of pots. We did an enormous shop as the supermarket delivers to the boat. In the evening the others went to a fancy restaurant while Lucinda and I had a mediocre dinner in town.

21st June

We upped anchor and motored past the slope beneath the crater. A couple of puffs showed us the volcano was active. We stopped for lunch off Panarea. By late afternoon we were tied up in the marina on Lipari.

20th June

There should have been some wind, but there wasn't. So it was motoring again, this time back to Stromboli. The anchorage was much busier than a week ago, mainly crowded with charter yachts some of whom had interesting anchoring techniques. In the early evening we walked to a viewpoint overlooking the slope below the volcano. The volcano was not very lively but we did see a few eruptions. Lower down the slope we had an indifferent pizza but were able to continue watching the explosions while we ate.

19th June

Correction to last post. After the volcano and granita we went to the west of the island. The wind did change as predicted to be from the west and almost all the boats decided to go to the other side of the island where we had rolled last night. Despite all that we had a much better night. I was right then to move, but a day out.

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19th June

Today we did our normal Vulcano routine. Off early to climb the volcano, granitas back in town, Maurizio in the evening followed by ice cream. The wind was predicted to change to a westerly so I left our lovely spot on the west and went into the eastern bay where we had an unpleasant night at anchor. Funnily enough none of the other boats in the anchorage made the same decision.

18th June

I should have said that Emily and Tanner made it here. It's great to have them on board.

18th June

We finally got a bit of wind. Inevitably it was blowing from where we wanted to go. We did manage to sail a bit and ended up back at anchor off Vulcano. The wind started as an easterly but as it swung round to the west I decided to go round to the other side of the island. No one else followed us. Was it a good idea?

17th June

In the morning we hacked up to see the prehistoric site overlooking the anchorage. After a granita we motored round the island and picked up a buoy on the south side. We ate at a restaurant on the front.

16th June

We saw Kennan and Melanie off this morning. We have two days before Emily arrives so what should we do? We decided to head to Filicudi, a small island off the beaten track. All the information we had suggested that anchoring is difficult but there might be some buoys. On arrival Massimo came out and we negotiated to use one of his buoys. There are footpaths crisscrossing the island weaving steeply up and down among the houses most of which do not have road access. We followed a map and ended up on the south side of the island at Pecorini where we had a drink overlooking the sea before having a hair-raising taxi ride back to the small pier that counts as the port.

15th June

It was time to climb the volcano once again. At the top we could see Stromboli to the north east and Etna to the south west. We were on a steaming volcano half way between two active volcanoes. Down in the village we had granitas. In the afternoon I dived to fix the sail drive anode. I'm getting the hang of SCUBA. In the evening it was back to our favourite restaurant, Maurizio, followed by an ice cream at the best Gelateria on the island.

Fwd: 15th June

Sorry this should be 14th June

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Begin forwarded message:

From: david goldhill <davidrgoldhill@gmail.com>
Date: 14 June 2017 at 21:52:06 CEST
To: Imagine Blogger <david.goldhill.lepicaron@blogger.com>
Subject: 15th June

We motored across to Lipari and anchored for a swim and lunch on the south east corner. We then carried on the short distance to anchor at Vulcano. Kennan and Melanie had a hot mud bath while Lucinda and I had a drink.

15th June

We motored across to Lipari and anchored for a swim and lunch on the south east corner. We then carried on the short distance to anchor at Vulcano. Kennan and Melanie had a hot mud bath while Lucinda and I had a drink.

13th June

Today we motored across to Salina. We paid for a berth in the harbour for the night which meant water, electricity and showers. In the afternoon we took a bus to Malfa, had a drink, looked around and came back. In the evening we ate in a restaurant where the waiter asked me why I didn't like raw fish. He didn't want to take my order for fish cakes.

12th June

There was plenty of time this morning for a swim before going into town. After shopping we had a leisurely lunch before going back to the boat for a few hours. At 5 pm we set off in a group to walk to the top of the volcano. It was a three hour upward plod but we were rewarded with a fabulous sunset and the fireworks of the volcano erupting seen from above. Going down was dusty and hard on the knees but it was worth the effort.

11th June

It was a windless night and we all slept well to wake up in our wonderful anchorage. There was time for swimming and paddling the kayak before setting off to Stromboli. Once there we picked up a buoy and went ashore to explore and have an ice cream. At dusk we motored round to see the volcano erupt. About every ten minutes flame shot into the air followed shortly after by a rumble. A few seconds later the boat rocked as a series of waves passed through. We then had to find our mooring buoy in the dark.

10th June

In light winds we motored to Isola Panarea. We arrive early afternoon and found a stunning anchorage. I went for a swim and discovered one of the saildrive anodes had fallen off. That's what my wetsuit and SCUBA gear are for. I had one spare anode which I replaced. However I managed only to insert one of the two bolts before I ran out of air. Let's hope it holds. We then went for a walk up the hill behind us on a winding path heading to the mountain top.

9th June

We awoke to momentous news about the effect of the votes of the great British electorate upon the political landscape. We then motored back to Milazzo to wait for Kennan and Melanie. It gave as an opportunity to clean and reprovision. In the evening we ate at a sea food restaurant near the castle.

8th June

We slept soundly lulled by the rocking of the wash from the ferries and the stuporous smell of sulphur from the volcano. As soon as we had eaten breakfast we walked to the top of the volcano and were rewarded with spectacular views and few other people. As we descended large groups were struggling up the slope. Later we went shopping and I had a brief dip in the warm bubbling water.

7th addendum

The earlier post should have read sailed Biscay.
In the evening we ate in the number one restaurant on Volcano according to TripAdvisor. After we had ice cream in the best gelateria on the island. It was very good.

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7th June

We were the only boat at anchor off the promenade at Milazzo. With the oil refinery to our left it wasn't the prettiest of anchorages but apart from the wash of ferries we had a peaceful night. The closest Aeolian Island was only 20 miles away so we headed there. By lunchtime we were anchored off the souther tip. Later we moved north to the main anchorage. There we met one of the boats that sailed Bissau with us. The volcano looms over the anchorage, the water bubbles hot and a smell of sulphur is in the air.

6th June

We rolled all night even though there wasn't much wind. Rain at 6am woke us up. Today we passed through the Straits of Messina. We had everything from light to strong winds. The only consistent feature was it blew at us. We had to motor and even when the tide should have been with us it resolutely opposed our progress. Anyway we made it OK and are now at anchor just off the promenade at Milazzo.

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5th June

Although the barometer is dropping there was almost no wind as we motored north to Taormina. On our left was the gloomy presence of mount Etna with a strong of white cloud rising from its summit.

4th June

We spent the morning seeing the sights of Syracuse. Some time ago it was the largest town in the world. Lots of ancient history. We had drinks aboard another British cat and ate dinner with our new best friends, Chris and Carolyn.

3rd June

We made our way north to Syracuse to anchor in the big natural harbour. As we were setting off to shore in the dinghy a Broadblue 435 called Splice came by to say hello. They moored on the town quay where we met them. We walked around the old town and ate in a small restaurant.

1st and 2nd June

Sophie and her lot went yesterday and we spent the day cleaning and tidying. Today we set off heading east. We're at anchor in Porto Pola on the south eastern tip of Sicily.

31st May

We took advantage of our visitors hire car to do a big shop. Later I launched the dinghy and rowed Hester and Trewin round the marina. We finally managed to get the boat lifted out late afternoon. The grandchildren went to the beach while we stayed with Imagine. Her saildrive anodes had completely dissolved. Luckily I had some spares on board. The grease gun exploded while I was working on lubricating the props. It was their last night so went into town for a meal followed by their last ice creams.

29th May

While all the others went sightseeing in Scicli I spent the morning rebuilding the helm seat. Now we can lean back once again.

28th May

We finally got to swim off the boat. There was no wind when we got up and left to anchor outside the marina. David and Hester both went swimming, as did I. The only difference was I was in a wet suit. Later we practiced man overboard before entering the marina for lunch. In the afternoon our guests went to the beach.

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27th May

Today we all went to Ragusa. It's a wonderful spectacle, a jumble of churches, palaces and houses tumbling up and down two hills. Some of us had to take the bus but it all worked out well. Later Hester was winched part of the way up the mast and I went to the first spreaders to start cleaning.

25th to 26th May

Hester, Trewin and their parents arrived safely and took over the starboard hull. So far we've been shopping, taken Imagine out twice for a sail, launched the new kayak and paddled around the marina. We hoped to anchor off the beach for a swim but conditions haven't been right. Our visitors have been to the beach and swam there. Tonight we walked into town for pizzas and ice cream.

21st to 23rd May

Sunday was even windier so we were pleased to have made the crossing from Malta. Imagine is now clean again, I have fitted a socket for a new passarelle, we went to the market, have restocked and otherwise been reading and walking. We're looking forward to having Sophie and her lot on board tomorrow evening.

20th May

We are now back in Sicily, a bit battered but delighted to be here. The night was peaceful and we left at 6am to head north. We knew the wind would increase but expected no more than 15 to 18 knots. As it was we had four hours when it was more than 25 knots which wasn't much fun going to windward. Anyway with two reefs in the main and a scrap of foresail we plodded on. The boat was fine and there was nothing we hadn't done before. Still it was good to be in harbour, have a hot shower and a nap.

19th May

Time to leave Valletta. We slowly made our way up the north coast of Malta to Gozo. There we checked out with the border police. We are now clear to leave. We crossed the bay to a small anchorage off Comino. Here we will stay until we head to Sicily early tomorrow.

Fwd: 18th May

> In the morning we took the bus across the island to Mdina, the old capital. It was a beautifully restored small but perfectly formed fortress town on top of a hill. Just outside the town were catacombs, now cleared of all the skeletons but beautifully restored with EU funds. We then returned to Valletta for a late lunch, saw the war museum and a film about Malta before going back to the boat for the night.

17th May

We spent a peaceful night at anchor and cleared off in the morning as the tourist boats started to arrive. We drifted across the waters to Malta. The coast is rocky and largely lined by unattractive stone buildings. We anchored in a bay for lunch and then pottered along to Valletta where we berthed in one of the marinas. Later we took a bus into the old town to wander the streets and have something to eat.

16th May

Blue skies and sunshine today. We slowly made our way to the west coast of Gozo. We anchored for lunch in a circular enclosed bay with a small opening between the rocks among high cliffs. Later we made our back east and anchored for the night on the island of Comino, a small island in the passage separating Gozo from Malta. It's peaceful now but it's a very popular spot for day trippers. We expect lots of noise in the morning.

Re: 15th May

That's first out of 268 places to eat in the whole oh Gozo.

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> On 15 May 2017, at 18:08, david goldhill <davidrgoldhill@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> We spent the day hopping on and hopping off an open top tourist bus. The highlights were the citadel in the capital, Victoria, and the prehistoric stone circles. Lucinda is overjoyed because she managed to buy Bran flakes and Weetabix. They also had Marmite but we have enough of that in the stores. Tonight we're going to the number 1 restaurant on Gozo according to TripAdvisor. Can't be bad.

15th May

We spent the day hopping on and hopping off an open top tourist bus. The highlights were the citadel in the capital, Victoria, and the prehistoric stone circles. Lucinda is overjoyed because she managed to buy Bran flakes and Weetabix. They also had Marmite but we have enough of that in the stores. Tonight we're going to the number 1 restaurant on Gozo according to TripAdvisor. Can't be bad.

14th May

We slipped the surly bonds tying us to land and made the crossing to Gozo. We might as well have a motor boat. No wind and a slightly rolly sea that showed us we need to get our sea legs back. Once here we walked into the town above the harbour. Was it the capital, Victoria? Who knows. There was a big church and some men dressed in white and red cassocks dragging a statue of Jesus around town behind a naval band.

13th May

A day food little jobs and boat cleaning. We took John from further up the pontoon out for supper. By 10pm the town square was filling up and things were starting to happen. That's when we went to bed.

12th May

More baroque churches, a cathedral and a monastery and we're glad to be back in the boat. At lunch a film crew was working in an Inspector Montalbano episode. Lots of people had selfies with one of the cast so I took his picture. I've no idea who he is. When we got back Imagine was layered in red sand, a present from the south.


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11th May

It was overcast and the atmosphere oppressive. A strong southerly was blowing so we headed inland in our hire car. Air con would have helped but the car didn't have it. We saw the finest Roman mosaics in the world, and they were impressive. After a mediocre lunch we wandered in the drizzle around a town famous for ceramics. It was interesting seeing some of the interior of the island.

10th May

Well I did it. On with the wet suit and Scuba gear. The sail drives and props are now clean, more or less. The last sail went on and we're ready, more or less. We finished GoT, fantastic. But the forecast makes it impossible to head south so we've hired a car for a couple of days and will go off exploring.

9th May

If it wasn't for the weather we would have been ready to leave. The genoa needs to be hoisted but that will take less than 30 minutes in calm conditions. An underwater camera shows the engine intakes covered with marine growth but they both started and cooling water circulated. We won't be leaving for a few days as strong southerlies are forecast. We're told that this brings clinging red Saharan sand that gets everywhere. We'll try and be prepared. So time for a few minor jobs and a long walk. In the evening it was marina happy hour in the bar with about 40 other sailors, and then back to the boat for a couple more episodes of GofT.


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8th May

We weren't expecting light winds this morning but when we got up there was barely a ripple on the water. We took our chance and got the main and reacher on. The genoa will have to wait for another day. There was plenty still to do but Imagine is looking a lot tidier and ready for sea. We need a diver to clean the saildrives and propellers before we go. My underwater camera showed they were heavily encrusted with vegetation. And a strong southerly Sirocco wind is forecast for three or four days from Thursday. It looks as though we may be stuck until next week. Still there are worse places to be.


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7th May

It was too windy to put up the sails, but there were plenty of other tasks to occupy us. Last night we started series 6 of Game of Thrones. Two episodes last night and another two tonight.

6th May

We're now back on Imagine. We arrived late last night. Today we've started putting the boat back together. In the evening we had a few people over and set the world to rights over beer and wine. For those of you reading this can I point out it's a way of reminding me of what we've been doing and lets our girls that we are safe? There may be some wonderful prose and fascinating insights, but don't bank on it.

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