After a day of motoring with a mix of no wind or good sailing wind resting upon the nose 0300, hazy sky of cloud and moisture was backlit by the lights of lights over Naples and the island anchorage itself. Three of us out on deck helping to guide past yachts and moorings, in Gratis […]

We are anchored in Marina Piccolo, Capri. A tourist mecca, but for the short term exquisite.

Night time arrival in Capri. Mountain black against the light lit sky. St Helena anchorage below cliffs amazing, but this is beyond description. May see Vesuvius from here come daylight.

A trip to the market, a local supermarket and baking galore, 17:00 has us on our way once more: destination, Stromboli and the Isle of Capri. At last, a wind on the stern, whew!!!!!  

After a 2 hour motor – yes, once again the wind was on the nose at 30 knots – in which we dodged ferries and commercial ships, Gratis arrived at the Messina marina.    

After a tedious 3 day sail battling winds on the bow, we are heading into Reggio Calabria on mainland Italy. Wind blowing at 30 knots in Straits of Messina, so we will leaving the crossing over of the channel into Messina until tomorrow when it’s calmer. Sailing the Mediterranean is more difficult and uncomfortable than […]

After a hard two day slog into winds of 25 to 40 knots we at last entered the Straits of Messina. Finally, the winds settled into those predicted: light and on the nose winds, we loved it. Did our comfortable sail last long? Hell no! Only an hour later the winds rushed in at 20+ […]

A quick visit to the water police where our papers were signed, then to customs for handing in and procurement of a copy for our records, departure for Messina Italy took place under clear sunlight skies. The thunder of jet fighters speeding overhead deafened our ears before the shadows of the planes welcomed their arrival […]

That famous saying of Bob’s: ‘What could possibly go wrong!!!!’ He shouldn’t say it. Now the toilet is playing up, and the weather is perfect for departure!  

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 […]

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

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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