Category Archive

Marina di Ragusa, Sicily to Seranda, Albania

Excitement had built over the day as our 20:00 departure time from the marina for our three day sail to Seranda approached. A final check of the weather, course plotted, and at last, after a long seven months, Gratis was out upon the waters. Fishing boats and ships galore made for an interesting first night’s motor to the […]

Departure At Last

Engine fixed, improved weather, it looks like this arvo is it – touchwood!!! The weather is refusing to keep to the predictions at the moment.

Departure Delayed

Thanks to a slight engine issue which Bob is currently sorting out, our departure from Sicily has been delayed until tomorrow.

Ragusa Ibla

With strong winds predicted in the Marina, outside work at a standstill, and departure postponed,we headed into Ibla where winds were practically nil for the day. An exquisite old town, our taxi driver – Giusuppe regaled us with history and recommended a fantastic restaurant that wasn’t hard on the pocket. Taxi: Taxi a Ragusa Giuseppe Cassarino […]

Return to the Water and Sicily Departure

Gratis, newly painted with her new decals on show, is at last back in the water. Are we departing any time soon? No. A southerly wind going by the name of the Scirocco (link on winds of the Mediterranean below) is on its way. Like the Mistral, it is strong and creates unpleasant conditions. The result: at this […]

Departure Postponed

Between bad weather, the two foresails yet to be returned and Bob’s glasses requiring repair, it will be Friday before we depart. First stop, Saranda, Albania so Gratis can be stamped. She can only remain in the European Union for 18 months max, otherwise 18% of her value must be paid in tax. Places on our […]

Gratis Painted

Sanded. Biaggio taping, then painting. Doesn’t our girl look beautiful topside! The guys in Marina di Ragusa boatyard have done a magnificent job.

Wind a Blowing Once More

The boat yard guys came around last night and ensured the chocks holding the boat upright were all still safely secured. Why, you ask? This really is a windy month in Marina di Ragusa. Another good blow – between 34 and 45 knots – is passing through. A stay inside and work day. In the […]

Etna

This was our view of Etna from the car as we drove to Catania last week. The snow is rapidly melting.

Back to Work

After a day trip to Catania,where a car swap took place, it is back to work today. Spring is well and truly here. Temperatures up to 20 degrees now, snow is melting on Etna, and the landscape is a mass of blooming flowers.

The Wind is a Blowing

The Barometer has been down to 987 and the wind is blowing with gusts of 60+ knots.

Spring has Sprung in Sicily

Spring has sprung in Sicily, and each day that high creeps ever closer. It is now that the island truly comes into its own. Arriving in late Autumn last year, colours were muted, whilst during winter it was the vibrance of the oranges that contrasted against the drab gray brown landscape. With each day that […]

Storms Passing Through

A morning of rain, with good old thunder and lighting: a time for staying in the warmth of indoors.

Back on Board

Back on board Gratis at last. Wind still blowing, so still awaiting the painting to be done.

Sicily Arival.

We safely landed in Catania, Sicily last night. After a good night’s sleep in the Sheraton (our treat) we are ready to undertake the 2 hour drive to the marina.

Last Transit Leg Tonight

After an overnight stopover in Milan, a leg to Amsterdam in which we enjoyed a bit of time exploring, and the flight from Amsterdam to Bali (with an hour of respite in Singapore) we are currently relaxing in Bali. It’s a great way to acclimatise after the cooler winter weather of Europe. Exploration of Milan and Amsterdam are […]

On The Way.

In Milan, preparing for the flight to Amsterdam.

Sicily Departure

We depart for Milan this arvo.

How Time Flies….

A flat towards the end of our Etna journey. Is it already six days ago? Yesterday: deck tidied, stainless lifelines (the rope fence around the decks) removed, combings (tops of hull) sanded and oiled. Today: inclement weather, good for the washing. Saturday afternoon is departure day.

Etna