39:04.7N 17:08.3E

 

11 July motor around peninsular (and marine reserve), in thro gas platforms to Crotone

 

Depart Le Castella 1245

Arrive Porto Vecchio, Crotone 1700 22nm

Hot and sticky, v little wind – 32C down below

 

Morning doing chores (handwash clothes, send blogs, scrub decks, clean stainless, shopping, test PO euro withdrawal card (successfully), water up). Slight xwind on exit and snag wing keel on small bowline. Sort easily, but pair of Jane’s knickers believed to have gone ob from washing line (guardrail) when moving fenders. Discover new aft water bladder (just filled for 1st time) has leak on exit fitting – much water in bilges! No mountains in sight – flat low headland with many wind turbines. motor sail gently all way, outside no entry marine reserve areas, avoid unexploded mine are, and gas platforms. Sounds like aerobics in sea off main beach as we approach. Fill up with diesel (44ltrs 79euros),tie up bows to with 2 sternlines. V helpful ormeggiatori who know what they are doing. Misunderstand price for night – show surprise, so its knocked down to 25euros – a bargain in these parts. x wind builds up so exciting spectacle of others berthing Go shopping for rotisserie chicken– find butcher- no English spoken, no cooked chicken. Come away with something – think ready to eat meatballs in tom sauce – will find out tomorrow lunchtime. Nice small veg shop also in notsosmart residential area next to docks. Many fishmongers, as right next to trawlers.Looks like promenade and posh shops behind beach to S, but no time to explore. Rosemary does secondary run for spuds – has fun getting mushrooms Sun sets (before 2100), lovely temperature outside.