19th May Marina di Ragusa
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19th May
36 46.60 N 14 32.90 E A much easier day. We left Licata at 08:40. I didn’t
think we’d make it “round the corner” and up the East coast, so we aimed for
If we can’t go where I want, at the speed I want I will use the engine. The number of people that fail to grasp this continues to amaze me. The wind picked up through the day, so we were getting 10-15 kts by afternoon, and the sea state started getting choppy (with not much between successive crests). I did a bit of tacking with mainsail up and under power, and got some extra speed, but we were taking forever to make forward progress. We lost an hour, which we could afford today, but very often can’t, proving this fairly basic point. Entering Marina di Ragusa we had a 2 man reception committee who took us to the fuel berth, saw us filled, escorted us to our berth, nudged us in with the rib when the crosswind got us, and took me to the marina office in the rib to save me the walk to do the paperwork. Service in reception was once again very helpful. We were in at 16.10, giving me time to do my laundry – always a great morale booster! The place is charming. I thought at first that the promenade (Lungo di Mare) was deserted (as it was at about 7 pm, but later it was really lively. The town square was full of people, there were some really impressive houses right on the beach, I had a really good feeling about the place. The winter rates in the marina are a bargain – they quoted me 870 EU for 7 months – Sept to April….I can see why so many Rally Portugal guys went for it, though all seem to have left by now. Decided to try for Siracuse or somewhere near tomorrow, to have a sporting chance of Catania on 21st in time to drop Paul and pick up Kieran (who appear to be coming and going on the same plane, in the evening), so a 6 am start planned – which means making special arrangements to return our shower/access/electricity keys and get our deposits back. Today covered 36 NM |