39:10.0N 009:44.5E
Tuesday 20th Oct
Set out at early (for us) in some welcome sun. A quick man
overboard drill with a lost cockpit cushion and then off around the headland
into squalls and headwinds (one of us is jinxed). Iona reads the
pilot book properly and finds the panel all about the Aeolean Triangle and its
wacky weather which never follows the forecast - at least we have an
explanation.
The weather clears up and dolphins and turtles join us briefly. The
fishing (and gradual loss of tackle begins). The wind moves SE but not
strong enough yet to make our destination in time so engine on. Later on
30-40 knots took us to in excess of 9 knot boat speeds until we managed to reef
- biggest waves yet.
Dodging the peculiar sets of floating old bottles arranged as fising
gear.
Wednesday 21st
What we thought was a fish on the end of our line turned out to be some of
that fishing gear snagged around the prop and a happy half hour spent winding it
in and cutting free - the rest to be dived for at the next port. Next up
on the maintenance front started when we noticed the pin holding the gooseneck
was working loose and needed working back with a new split pin.
More turtles today. Louise very poorly and looking like she needs to
get off the boat at the next stop. Add some sail to speed the journey
and shorten suffering.
On into the night - the early hours see the weather worsen, and skipper
Matt takes the helm as we're head to wind again in waves peaking at 7m.
Prompting a decision to again divert and head for Porto Corallo on the
south east tip of Sardinia instead of Cagliari. Much easier
sailing, but not in the right direction.
Thursday 22nd
Farewell to Iona as she rushes off for her flight and farewell to Louise
& Colin as Louise sees a doctor and is currently too ill to carry on.
Mega clean up of Phoebe
We've been too tired so far to mention just how much appreciate Barry the
chef and his able assistant Abi who not only cooks well but can stand being
below in heavy weather more than most. Everyone appreciates it.
Richard joins the boat to make up a full complement and help with
with a permanent fix to the boom.
