Actually, the previous blog from the little bay should have been dated Thursday 14^th July.  The morning of Friday 15^th was calm and sunny and Elizabeth went for a pre-breakfast swim (while Ron rang his sister to wish her happy XXth birthday).  After breakfast and considering our options for the next few weeks, we made the momentous decision to “turn for home”.

Since we didn’t fancy the ferry home port, which was the nearest point on the mainland, we turned north and headed for San Vincenzo.  There was a light wind and the swell from the east made it a slightly uncomfortable ride so we kept the motor on and motor-sailed.  We had already read that San Lorenzo was an old port for small boats but had recently been extended for larger yachts but it warned that it was a difficult shallow entrance when the wind was onshore (from the west).  About half  an hour before reaching the entrance, the wind suddenly increased to 21 knots and the waves became more pronounced.  We found the entrance and it was a little worrying; the large waves were rolling into the opening and the rocky remains of the old port wall were very evident.  With a very steady hand – but an enhanced pulse rate – Ron managed to ride the surf into the entrance and turn very sharply to port into the marina where everything suddenly became calm. 

Gratefully we found our allocated berth and tied up to enjoy our reward – a cup of tea.  We then went along to the entrance and watch others undertake the same challenge.  

Ron & Elizabeth HOWARD

Eliza B,  Moody 36 (1998)

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