Venice and the lagoon is a heady mix of contrasts and surprises – it is totally unique and it’s impossible not to be enthralled. Maelstrom would be the right word for the crazy waterway to the Airport where the water taxis seemingly race, disregarding all collision regulations and certainly the niceties of etiquette as they... Continue Reading →

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 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 →