Saturday 11 June saw David and Giavanna depart from Rosignano where we were “storm bound” and prevented from reaching Genoa.  It’s a bit ridiculous to say we were storm bound, as the sun beat down and the breeze served only to keep us pleasantly cool.  However, the Libeccio, a south westerly wind famous in Italy was still kicking up the Mediterranean waters and few if any sailboats venture out in it.  I’m learning quickly about these local winds and where to get reliable weather forecasts, which is good because they blow up more quickly than anything I’ve previously experienced and the waters of the Med. seem equally quick to build.

Josef drove David and Giovanna up towards La Spezia to visit friends and we sat down for a pizza together on his return to reflect on how close we had become these last few weeks, just when his tenure was about to end and he and Tereza were to continue their ambition to move fully into the yachting industry as much more than just deck hands, which they both deserve.  All it will take is a lucky break I’m sure.  I left Josef the following day to drive to Genoa to meet Gill off the ferry after her enforced stay in a hotel for 2 weeks on the Costa del Rey.  We had a lovely two days sightseeing and getting to know Genoa before picking up our next guest, Guy Vanmeenen from the airport and driving back to rejoin Oboe (via a gelateria extraordinaire!)  Josef had left and was on his way to Rome to meet up with Tereza for that opportunity of a life time and an interview for positions on a new 105 footer!  Fingers crossed and thank you both for everything you have helped me with this season.  I’ll miss you guys!

Well, Gill starts her “job” as first mate, as we head out to put Oboe through her paces, which is what Guy seeks to do, as he assumes “skipper of the day” responsibilities as a way of gaining experience building on his Day Skipper qualification and already well-honed skills.  The three of us had a great week, the winds came and went and another Libeccio saw us run for cover and drop anchor in a deep bay for ½ day before creeping round a headland into Puntaldia marina, a lovely private development and one to be revisited.

A week flew by, Guy flew out from Olbia and he will soon be back in Africa carrying on his fascinating career.  Hope to see you again soon and hope you soon skipper your own boat Guy.

So, that leaves Gill and me slipping lines alone for the first time and heading south in perfect sailing weather, so in some way the adventure is just beginning …

Follow our progress here:

http://blog.mailasail.com/oboe, where you can see our daily progress on Google Earth.  Email us at: oboe {CHANGE TO AT} mailasail {DOT} com any time you like.  Phone us on +881 631 669 194 and we’ll pick up via Iridium satellite.

Fair winds to you all.

Nigel

Gill

Guy