36 16.246N 014 48.770E At Sea - noon site

Pipedream
Wed 3 Aug 2011 10:28
We are about 26 NM from Valletta, Malta on a course of 212 COG, 4.3 kts in 11 Kts of NW wind on a close reach sailing.

Left Port Polo, Sicily this morning around 6:30 AM and motor sailed for about three hours before picking up a more favorable breeze. Having a great crossing so far. Made coffee underway and Mary came up with a big plate of Greek salami, olives and cheese for lunch. Throw in a couple of Morrette beers and you can't do better than that.

Lots of shipping traffic in between Sicily and Malta. We saw at least five sailing yachts this morning and are seeing lots of freighters now. The AIS is showing a bunch of ships maybe at anchor off of Malta . Malta radio VTS is IDing every ship that passes near the place. Not sure if this is sop or something prompted by the Libyan blockade. All is well.