It is quite amazing that after a mere couple of hours of sleep, the human body can be so restored and refreshed! After a week of sub one hundred step counts, I was keen to get out for an exploratory walk. The perception of Venice is of a maze of charismatic alleys and canals (Remember... Continue Reading →

The forecast southerly breeze of 6 knots turned out to be a southerly wind of over 20 knots with big breaking seas. This was actually quite welcome as we were able to make great pace and improve on our intended arrival time so that we had time in hand to be able to take it... Continue Reading →

The weather continues to bless us with clear skies and since the wind has diminished, the sea has become reasonably flat as well. Reviewing our course options after the next headland, the prospect of taking a longer inshore route had its issues with lots of ‘stuff’ just offshore so I favour the direct route taking... Continue Reading →

The continuing adverse current coupled with a short chop and the wind directly on the bow made the morning slow. This was not helped by my decision to ‘skirt’ a military firing range between Otranto and Brindisi, I figured that, given my luck on this passage, I might take a shell just below the water... Continue Reading →

At 14.00, a most remarkable thing happened. The wind picked up to a nice F3/4, Just in front of the beam and with full sail, on a flat sea, in cloud free sunshine, WE SAILED ! This blissful situation turned into a lively romp as the wind built, cracking along at 6-7 knots. This was... Continue Reading →

You might think that the title of this blog suggests an encounter with the United States Air Force, well you would be wrong – read on. The period of sailing after the boisterous exit of the Strait was short lived as the wind disappeared once again and I had to reach for the key to... Continue Reading →

A telephone conversation with the hugely knowledgeable Barry has been very reassuring and once I have carried out a few precautionary adjustments, I feel that the next time I feel compelled to turn the engine off and experience the joys of silent sailing; I will have a better idea of how to address any ensuing... Continue Reading →

The wind died progressively through the evening but maintained sufficient strength and angle to keep the main full drawing while Hejira and I motored languidly on the flattening sea. My first night back underway should have been a gentle introduction allowing untroubled 20 minute catnaps in empty open water. In the event, I began crossing... Continue Reading →

I slipped the lines this morning at 0610 and made my way out into an expected F4 on the nose in a lumpy sea under grey skies. The forecast is for the wind to drop but not till much later. Helpfully it is forecast to veer and the sun is due to make an appearance.... Continue Reading →

My return to the office saw the electrical specialist leafing through brochures of batteries, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he had promised to return to Hejira 3 hours before. The news was depressing, the nearest battery to my specification was listed at costing over 1000 Euros each and dimensionally longer necessitating modifications to the... Continue Reading →