UTC 1005

Yesterday, about 2347 we have made a land fall on the Isola Di Ischia… We are about 15 - 17 nm from the mainland of Italy. 

Technically, the crossing from the Sardinia to mainland of the Italy is over.

Though it was a good and ‘boring ‘ sailing, I’m glad it is over. We have a bit of everything — a day of good sailing under the genekker,  some motoring with the sails being up…. some challenges  — fighting for each tenth of a knot at a speed of 2.3 knots… in the middle between the Sardinia and Napoli, and then — going well again at 5-6 knots… 

I do not know how it works precisely  but the landing has been planned to early Monday morning… But each time the landing is planned to the ‘good time’, the boat and the weather do not cooperate.  The same happened yesterday — the boat started to accelerate shortly afternoon… Then we were progressively doing 5,6 and 7… knots… closer to the sun set — about 8….  So, the plans were changed, and we arrived on the Isola Di Ischia before midnight… 

The boat behaved really well… Except it was painful and difficult to ’negotiate’ with the motor this time… The motor showing the signs of accumulating slowly the air in the fuel line… Which causing the stop… As the motor stopped — no matter how well you are prepared mentally for it, it is giving some ‘exciting moments’…  And of course, it stopped when you needed it most … ;-).  

I’m not a diesel expert, so my explanation is — the motor has just requested  some attention to himself…  Well, he deserved it, for sure!  And I’m planning to search for the Sabre-Perkins dealer  and part shop as soon as I reach the mainland… 

We are at the anchor in front the entry to the S. Angelo harbour — a small touristing development… 

No, I’ve not visited the land yet… 

It my experience, the first ‘aftermath symptom’ of the passage longer then 100+ nm — to keep going… ’Today we would raise the anchor and would move to… ‘ 

It is rarely a good move…  Calm down… Look around… Bounce back to you ’sailing life’… 

Today first intention — to move 1-2 nm West to see the hot springs…. But the logic took over, we stayed at our anchor. 

Another boat drop the anchor   next by. In a few hours — we got acquainted with the local sailor, who stepped on our boat… Lunch, long conversations,  some wine…. olives… wine… etc, etc….

Now  we know about the area more then if we spent a week around… We have a friend … We learned about local customs and people… We shared our views on life and ‘all around’…  We have a phone # to call in case… 

We are relaxing… doing some cleaning… stoving the sailing gear we would not need for a while…  

It is hot outside… Time to  hide from the Sun… 

You do not need  the watches… The position of the Sun is telling the time accurately enough…for sailing life, for your life… 

…

The day is ticking by… The Sun moving… 

Everything on board is fine… 

We are safe, secure, and in a good mood!!!! ;-) 

Talk to you soon, 

M.