38:38.3N 15:04.9E

 

5 July no sign of any significant wind, lets stay out in the islands a bit longer before heading for Strait of Messina

 

Depart Salina 0915

Arrive and anchor San Pieto, Isola Panarea 1300 12nm

Warm (just shorts n t shirt), sun, NW f2,1

 

Quick run ashore to get bread. Best so far (for Italy). Breakfast at anchor before setting off. Head a bit N under motor to bear away and set sails - 3knts – just, but falls off so motor last half. Captains mate and Heikell suggest can sneak in to N of ferry pier, between pier and moorings. Room for 3 or 4. Many ormeggiatori buzzing about in ribs – one trys to offer us a buoy. Guess expensive, no one in close so anchor in 18ft. Breeze gets up – needed as v hot. Jane’s rash from jelly fish sting getting better. Can see Stromboli – less than 10miles away. Was puffin away this morning, but now stopped – shame as we were hoping to see more fireworks after dark. Super yachts (motor and sail) anchor off. One yacht has FOUR sat domes – 2 on each mast. Seems to be saying I’ve got more than you, as most are just two, and probably hiding radar  etc. Perhaps falsies too?! Ashore its another world. Greek like with whitewashed buildings and a maze of narrow streets. No tat shops – loads of boutiques instead. Man wearing sarong. A very exclusive place indeed. Dare to stop for a beer (large)in luxurious harbourside bar. Get all the works with usual nuts and (not great)olives plus a large plate of fancy canapés. Dreading bill (like so many Italian shops/bars, there’s no obvious price list). Never mind, have had one night at sea then last 5 at anchor so marina fund  ok. offer 50euro note, get 41 back – phew, relieved but don’t stop for a second. Noisy night as local clubs emitting throbbing (boring) “music” (have hazy recollection still throbbing well after 2) but good news on txts that Murray thro to final. May have problem tomorrow as will be offshore on passage to Messina, so not sure if kindle will get wifi so can monitor Lions progress in final match. Approaching springs - tides for Messina not great. Pilot suggests south stream starts 4.5 hrs after HW Gibraltar. Can’t really get there in time for morning tide, and  it will get dark soon after evening tide (sun down 2100ish and dark an hour later). Decide depart 1000am and hit the evening tide early. Should be enough light to get in marina at Messina. Need water, fuel topup,  stores n loads of washing before Rosemary arrives Monday. Strong gusts at dawn, from opposite direction. Swing towards moorings and lie nicely between two small local boats.