We are back on the move when we departed Valettta at 09:50 this morning.

 

After some overnight rain it was a warm and bright day, we hoisted full sail and set off close hauled in the F4 NW breeze to round the North end of the island.

 

We are currently motor sailing with a course of 280M as the breeze had dropped to F2. The conditions are altogether more relaxing than our first stage with a very light weather forecast being issued so far.

 

Ceilidh is back to full working order after we replaced the cockpit control panel for the Simrad autohelm and had the fridge power supply connections repaired.

 

As there are 7 marinas on Malta and a large number of yachts based there the marine services and support are really excellent.

 

We also found the Royal Malta YC staff very helpful and the facilities also good although their pontoons are seasonal and will shortly be removed for the winter.

 

Once again I found Malta a fascinating island with it’s mix of historical sites and buildings all blending in with the current vibrancy of a really busy community.

 

I have made new friends and will be looking forward to a return visit in the not too distant future.

 

We completed a host of small jobs and improvements and now have an excellent block and tackle arrangement for the mainsail 3rd reef at the luff of the sail, Ken has been leading the way here.

 

We have not yet had the crew sweep stake on our ETA at Ibiza, waiting for the prediction from Mr B&G himself Neil Davidson!

 

We now have 6 onboard with my cousin Jenney joining along with Ken.

 

Dave Sturrock, Richard Philips, Andy Wiliams, Ken & Zoe Pritchard, Jenney Sturrock