From Mittelland Kanal to Havel Canal through lake district to Potsdam in August, then Potsdam to Zehdenick, September. Car journeys Nancy, France to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and return Potsdam, Germany to Poland and Return
From Mittelland Kanal to Havel Canal through lake district to Potsdam in August, then Potsdam to Zehdenick, September. Car journeys Nancy, France to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and return Potsdam, Germany to Poland and Return
A pleasant all night sail/motor where fishing boats were the only hazards to really beware of: in the Mediterranean very few have AIS and many don’t use their lights. Even when they see you, the helmsman will abruptly make a turn and head directly for you. The Isle of Elba (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elba), some parts of which […]
Gratis has just been anchored in Porto Azzuro, Isle of Elba. In a first, we had calm waters all the way across. A tidbit: it was here that Napoleon was exiled for a short while after his first major defeat, but only a few months since he managed to escape – avoiding all military forces upon his way […]
Just pulling out of Porta di Roma. Next stop Elba, then top of Corsica. About a day’s sail for each. Has been a lovely stay here. Close to buses and trains and fantastic facilities. 150 euro for the 3 nights.
What a magnificent day. On exiting the train station, the Colosseum was the sight that greeted us and it only continued getting better.
Totally exhausted through lack of sleep caused by uncomfortable swells and an ornery wind, we have at last arrived in the Port of Rome.
Hidden within a cloak of cloud and smog, we have just caught glimpses of Vesuvius: WOW!!!!!!! It’s another day sail to Port of Rome.
After a fantastic day on Capri we are catching the weather window and heading to the Port of Rome tomorrow.
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!
