37:03.68N 15:17.38E

4 June 2011

Lazy departure from Riposto to head to Siracusa.  Cloudy and hot with not much wind in the marina.  As we exited the marina we were met with 2 meter waves partially caused by the southern current from the Straights hitting head on with the waves from the southeast.  So we motored through it and got relief when we left the current, still waves but not too bad.

After and hour we set out the main since we got some wind.  Then 10 minutes later the headsail.  Not fully deployed but they helped stead the boat and added a knot to speed.  Then after 50 minutes more wind so engine off and true sailing.  Winds held very well and we sailed for 25 miles averaging 7-8 knots per hour with peaks over 9 knots.  We have sailed more in the last two weeks than we have for most of last year it seems.

As we approached Siracusa the winds dropped and the chop was annoying so we restarted the motor for the last hour into the harbor.  Along the way down we ran with a Oyster 56 and were able to show them our stern.  Nice to beat a boat over twice the cost and with five crew to work the sails.

Entering the harbor the waves are higher but we got in and berthed at the marina instead of anchoring or using the town quay.  The marina offers water and electric while the others do not.  However with the waves from the east they enter the harbor and keep everyone including the mega yachts rolling.  The marina is floating docks that are not in cycle with the boat so besides rolling is also jerks at times.  Cannot add diagonal lines since the dock moves too much.  So I put on the springs for the stern lines to reduce the snap and we just will live with it.

More on Siracusa next.