42 24N 11 12E

 

22nd

 

The forecast over the next few days shows that a Mistral blowing in the West whilst not affecting us wind wise it will send huge swells towards Rome, that will last a few days. So we decided to get up early and at least get to Civitavecchia which we know has good washing facilities - now needed after cruising around little islands and fishing harbours for two weeks.

 

What wind we had was pretty much on the noise so most of this relatively small leg was motoring/motor sailing into a bit of a chop. Anyway we arrived at 12.30pm giving Alison enough time to do four loads of washing - which dried almost instantly in the sun and wind. So all was washed ironed and put away before going out for a well deserved meal.

 

23rd

 

The forecast still showed big swells in the area tomorrow so we decided to head further North were they would be less swell (partly sheltered by Corsica) - albeit it is pretty sure we will have a day in Port tomorrow while the swells and some wind pass through - Happily it is still hot and sunny.

 

We didn't leave that early though as last night there was a live concert held about half a mile along the coast from 1.00am to 4.00am - the noise was not great, so not the greatest nights sleep. - And that's on top of two nights in Rome were a little moorhen nested under the pontoon behind us lead the dawn chorus at about 4.00am each morning. We could do with a peaceful nights sleep.

 

The trip North to Porto Ercole was fairly lively - As usual initially motor sailing with a fairly large swell already - happily this slowly died as predicted as we went North. The wind slowly filled in again, on the noise, allowing us to sail quite fast. The wind strengthened to about 15/16knots creating more heal than Alison loves so we swapped the large genoa for the new smaller staysail. This worked well with little drop in speed. The old adage of reef down early proving to be true as always.

 

We arrived at Porto Ercole to find that the pilot book was miles out of date - not the first time - it is now less of a fishing village but rather a chic holiday resort full of Italian motor boats/cruisers. The various pontoons all run by individual Italian wheeler dealers. After trying two pontoons who said they were full we got lucky third time - Happily the price could have been worse.

 

We have booked in for two days - firstly to wait for the predicted swell to pass through and indeed a fairly strong head wind predicted tomorrow. Plus having sailed/worked hard the last two days a rest and some tourism would be nice.