Cefalu, North coast of Sicily. 3rd July 2012. 38:02.25N 014:02.20E
Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Thu 5 Jul 2012 13:03
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At 09.45 hrs on 3rd July we lifted anchor from Mondello
bay and set sail in light winds for Cefalu on the north coast of Sicily. At
10.45hrs the cruising shute (lightweight-coloured forward sail) went up and we
were running along at 4 to 5 knots in 9 knots of true wind on a diect course.
After nearly three hours we dropped it to check for any chaff on the
halyard rope as we have had some problems in the past with the huge sail dumping
itself into the drink when we have been offshore with a difficult recovery from
the sea for two people.
Tony has made a few adjustments at the top of the mast and
on inspection the halyard was fine. We re-launched it for a while before
finally furling/dropping it as the wind died.
We motored the last few miles to the coast anchoring in
the bay of Cefalu near the old town and Norman cathedral at 16.52 hrs afer 35 n
miles.
The old town looks spectacular from the sea with the
imposing catheral and enomous mountain cabo behind it. We would have loved
to have explored it but the dinghy is stowed and we need to press on to
Greece.
As we had evening meal at anchor the swell increased and
whilst we were quite safely anchored in sand it became uncomfortable. The yachts
closer to the beach in shallower water were almost surfing on their anchors
as the swell pushed into the unprotected bay. Whilst the forecast was for a calm
night we decided to move to another anchorage before dark.
On the other side of the town is a fishing boat harbour
with a fair sized harbour wall. We anchored taking information from the
pilot book and settled into a calm protected evening.
Our reward was the view of a classy wedding reception at a
restaurant in the bay / harbour area. The Bride and Groom arrived at
the jetty by speed boat--- just before dark to the sound of Ravel's
Bolero boomimg across the water from the venue.
The very smart restaurant was beautifully laid with
white linen tables, white sofas, minimalist chic, candles etc,
with the exquisitively dressed guests attended to
by waiters in white tuxedos.
A jazz band and pianist played for the guests---and
ourselves----for the rest of the evening------Magic.
Calm night at anchor.
Love to all
Tina and Tony x x
x photos to follow
soon.
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