Leave Italian mainland for island of Giglio, where the Costa Concordia foundered
chrisandjane aboard Liveloula
Chris Cooke
Mon 6 Oct 2014 14:54
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42:21.6N 10:55.3E Monday 6 October Head NW to Island of Giglio, sadly made famous by the Costa Concordia tragedy Depart Santa Marinella 0350 Arrive Giglio 1415, 51nm M10.5 S1.5 Lots of sun; little wind Early start yet again. That way we can have a look round our destination before it gets dark/cool. Give shore wide berth as pilot says offlying rocks – nothing shown by chart or chartplotter, but spot lit buoy just inside us. Head a bit further out before setting course for Giglio. Orange nearly full moon sets 0430. Colours up 0630 now. Three cruise liners coming in, one large ferry leaving all between 0600 – 0700 – looks like Civitaveccia is a busy port popular with the groks. Nf2 fills in so sail 0830 to 1000. That’s all. Then boring motor with George helming so skip does some washing! Experience interesting magnetic anomaly 5nm south of Giglio, as autopilot suddenly takes us 30degrees to port. Subsequently found to be caused by a used chopped toms tin just placed on top of other gash, right under the autopilot compass! No one answers VHF so claim only space on what looks like visitors pontoon. Eventually find someone to pay – 23euros, with electricity and good water. Catch bus to ancient walled village up high (and back down again 3/4hr later). Situated so they could defend from invading pirates. Note all buildings have steps leading to first floor entrance – presumably to assist last resort defence. Many rounded boulders up high – look glaciated. Odd this far S and that far up. Back down at sea level notice many v old islanders still live here, international salvage crews about (even tho Costa C was towed away 27.7.14), numerous German groks. Pleasant place. Need ice cream to cool down! Harbourside garage opens late afternoon so get another 10ltrs diesel in plastic jerrycan. 4 other yachts have arrived, and have been directed stern to just behind us, so will be another tricky exit in the dark tomorrow. |
