39:04.82N 17:08.23E Crotone

Ariel of Hamble
Jim and Valerie SHURVELL
Wed 6 Jul 2011 07:29


Monday, 4th July, 2011.

 

We set the alarm and were up early to motor out of the harbour at Roccella Ionica heading for Crotone, roughly 63 miles away.  The coastal area is pretty with mountains such as Torre Mozza at 155 metres and Mount Castello a little higher at 159 metres all along the coast.  There are several rivers which run into the sea from the mountains dotted along the coast.

 

The day was sunny as usual and with the wind picking up as we sailed past Point Stilo, across Golfo de Squillace to Capo Rizzuto and along to Capo Colonne and around the bay into Crotone.  There is an established marine reserve from Capo Rizzuto into the bay of Crotone. All along the coast are huge wind farms from Catanzaro Marina (no marina there) to Capo Colonne.

 

We had a cracking sail managing to sail up to speeds of 7 knots most of the afternoon and took the sails down just before the entrance to the harbour where a small dinghy school was sailing and practising.  We passed two of the four gas platforms in the bay.  At the same time we heard “boom, boom” coming across the water from a huge holiday camp.  Thank goodness we could not hear it later in the harbour.   

 

With very few options as the harbour is not big we were directed to an outside berth where the small day boats were on the other side of the pontoon.  We were being blown on but the skipper was in control and we were safely tied up and having a cup of tea within a few minutes.

 

Jim could not resist having a quick look at the fish market just in case there was something he fancied.  He was hoping for tuna but there was a lovely sword fish in pride of place.  Well we could not resist even after the piece the fishmonger cut us was enough for two days.  It was delicious and it will be again tonight.

 

We decided we should have a look around the town just in case the weather forecast encourages us to move on to our next port of call.  We have never seen so many fish shops and stalls.  You can imagine the fishing boats must have been the main source of income in days gone past.  After a few roads and a little walking we found the main beach promenade which was very wide with hundreds of restaurants.  It was very busy with millions of people wandering around.  It is obviously a sea side resort with a good sandy beach and lots of amusements for the kids. The first time we have seen Italian ice-cream served in a bun!!! The downside of Crotone is they seem to have lots of mosquitoes!!!

 

We missed the mafia fight in the afternoon when several chaps started hitting each other with chairs.  According to one boat it was quite frightening.  We missed the fun!

 

Jim checked the weather on the internet and the winds are very favourable for us to continue.  Set the alarm again but not too early!!!!

 

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