Calling the marina at 0815 on our approach, we were met by a distinctive orange rib and shown to a berth just inside the entrance. We were flying the yellow ‘Q’ flag to show that we had arrived from another country as demanded by the Malta regulations. The berth was convenient for the ‘Black Pearl’... Continue Reading →

One of the jobs before leaving on our passage to Malta was to check the strainers on the sea intakes following the weed build up scare after leaving Venice. Thankfully they were all relatively clear with the exception of the Generator intake which didn’t have weed in it but a piece of plastic! The exercise... Continue Reading →

The hired Fiat Bravo promised so much and at the price, we could not complain when a somewhat tired vehicle that had done over 150,000 kilometres turned up. It did successfully negotiate nearly 150 miles for us and I was very relieved to return it in the same shape as we received it given our... Continue Reading →

As we sailed along the Sicily coast towards Marzamemi, the light wind was from over the land. It is not unusual to smell the land, often before you can see it but this smell was unusually fragrant. Let’s hope it is indicative of our visit. Arriving off the port at 0900, a call on VHF... Continue Reading →

Our departure timing for the crossing to Sicily was inspired as once we had cleared the islands, we enjoyed a fabulous reach in over 15 knots of wind with full main and jib, cracking along at over 7 knots for 24 hours apart from a lull for a couple of hours in the night which... Continue Reading →