Forecast predicted winds from the north but with swell coming in from the south the only protected anchorage was Cala Grande on the southwest end of Favignana. Dropping anchor on some beds of sand we got a good holding and enjoyed a marvellous sunset.

Waking up in the morning taking a bath was mandatory (17 centigrades) and Mercedes really impressed me with her swimming for 20 minutes in for me freezing cold water ( I`m supposed to be the viking...).

Launching the dinghy we tried the new Tohatsu which proved to be heavier than the old 2-stroke as expected but once mounted it ran smooth and silent with less smoke.

This bay is described as being very busy in high season but right now we are completely alone. Cruising the Med in winter you expose yourself to a greater risk of unsettled weather as well as gales and even storms,but in settled weather your options of anchorages are endless. Water is 16-18 degrees and in the nights you may need a heater but days are warm. With improved weather forecasting the last decades cruising in winter has become a feasible alternative.