20^th May  MARINA DI RAGUSA

Forecast last night said 5 to 6 locally 7 SE in Sicily Channel (although Passage Weather said v different round the corner). The wind howled in the night. The few weather problems I have had actually at sea on this trip have been those where: I am overoptimistic about how rapidly sea state subsides after rough weather, I am overoptimistic about Force 6 decreasing when that is forecast, and where I see a little patch of easier weather on the Passage Weather map and think that will cover me, when the bigger picture is not so great.

So, even before my alarm went at 5.30 I told the crew to lie in, we weren’t going anywhere. So Paul and Kieran now have to sort more complex travel arrangements out. But the prospect of banging through force 6 (never mind 7) right on the nose for 6 hours or so is not enchanting. It’s not good for the boat and it’s not good for the crew. I don’t subscribe to the theory that true sailing is all about challenging the elements, but it is surprising how many self proclaimed “experienced sailors” seem to think this is the case. Quite the contrary in my view! If I can just sneak comfortably and safely past them, and even get some help, then thank you very much! Obviously, if you are caught out by bad weather, then you have to deal with it, and I am happy to take that as it comes. (Actually – I am not happy! I don’t like it at all!). But to go out looking for it is nuts.

So, today in port, had a shower, a coffee and croissant, and really relaxed – what a pleasant change! There was some Laser dinghy racing outside, it looked pretty serious, I wondered if it was a national selection trial, but they packed up this afternoon. Wind howling all day, forecast gusts of force 9 tomorrow am. So now I am wondering how long will this last? Should I use this as my jump off point for Greece (300 NM)? Should I go to Siracuse and go from there? Will I get a nice stable forecast for Ionian in next 5 days? I just have to wait and see. One thing I do know – the last week or so has seen gale warnings and crap weather all over the area, it’s been really unstable. When things are looking good you have to go for it full pelt, you do not have the luxury of hanging about. A day in the Solent, heading to Yarmouth via Newtown Creek this is not….

Tomorrow am there is a forecast weather window of about 6 hours, that would see us round the corner – but the wave height forecast is for 1.8m, vs 0.8m yesterday, and 1.1m today….so very probably will stay in port, and then find another tranche of poor weather coming by.

Tim and Frances took today off and got a bus to Siracuse. It must be great to get a chance to look around…..!