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.