37:14.2N 12:55.7E

Sunday 1^st August

On passage from Malta to Sardinia.

We left Valletta at 5.45 am just as it was getting light and made our way out of the extensive harbour into a fair swell left from yesterday’s stronger winds. However to our surprise we met a fresh North easterly breeze which was just perfect for us and we made fast progress all the way up the coast of Malta before  we were finally headed and then the wind dropped away pretty much altogether. But the good news continued when a few hours later the wind freshened up again, this time from the South West, so again we were able to make good speed for a while.

Dolphins appeared, but ignored us and we saw flying fish, but little else except lots and lots of big ships, but hopefully they could see us too now with the AIS transponder working away. Long hot day with little else to amuse us, so very grateful that Sarah had purchased our first newspaper in ages to bring along.

We had our first SSB radio net at 6.30 pm and this was a huge success with us able to chat with Apparition who are on their way to Tunisia and Scott free who are still in Malta. Really nice to be able to talk to folks whilst we are away at sea.

Hope to bounce this email off a phone mast on Sicily as we sail past!