Monday 20^th October – Cagliari (It doesn’t always go right first time)

39:12.064N 9:07.510E

This morning it was very quiet and we decided to take Pyxis out into the bay to give the engine a short run and to take a look at the bay in daylight since we had arrived in the dark.  As we motored out it was good to see Cagliari and the harbour entrance by day, it looked very different. 

Once we were out in the bay the wind started to freshen (OK, so the forecast said it would ease rather than freshen), so after a short run we headed back to the marina.  By the time we arrived back, the wind was gusting up to around 15 knots in the shelter of the marina.  I waited for a quiet patch and started my manoeuvre back into our berth. 

Unfortunately a very long boat has come in recently and is on the end of the pontoon opposite. In addition, its bow line is stretching right across the entrance at a shallow angle.  This and the boats moored on our side of the pontoon are making for a very narrow chicane to get in between the pontoons at the moment.  We had got out without incident but unfortunately as I reversed back in towards the pontoons, the bottom of the keel just caught on the line hidden below the surface.  We immediately stopped Pyxis but the wind swung us around so we ended up resting on the line, just clear of the very long boat.

As we seemed steady where we were, we decided to stay put and wait for some help to arrive rather than risk getting the rudder or prop caught on the rope.  Fortunately Max, from the marina, was waiting to catch lines for us by our berth and he quickly hopped into his dinghy and just pulled us gently back off the rope. 

The only thing damaged was my pride but thankfully my second attempt went like clockwork and I recovered my dignity.  We were ably assisted with our mooring lines by Bryn and Lynn as we berthed.

This afternoon Richard gave Pyxis a thorough clean on deck; she is now almost looking white again.  Meanwhile I cleared up down below and then went for a cup of tea with Roger and Liz on Sea Blaze who are moored opposite.

After dinner, we were invited aboard Cape for a drink.  Whilst I put the world to rights with David and Sarah, Richard was quickly set on with Bryn and Bethany showing them how to play SimCity.  Much later we returned to Pyxis; we might have to admit to getting through quite a bit of wine.

Cagliari:  From the sea

Cagliari:  Mind the gap; Especially that long line from the bow

© Pyxis 2008