Jane Steenstra

Left at 11am with promise of SE wind from mid-day. Struggled to sail with less than 5 knots for 3 hours. Then the promised 7/8knts before starting to gust at 15 knots at 4.30pm just before we arrived at anchorage. Which was sheltered from swell but not wind. Not good for a swim this evening. Wind die to rade around 7pm.

Slowed down sail with reefs while Daan had his meeting then good sail to Villasimuis. After dolly night at anchor die to Southtown swell moved into Marina to see the flamingos and visit the town. Over 3 km walk away but good footpath and pleasant in the evening.

Move to an anchorage nearer to Cagliari as forecast for light winds for sailing. We did manage to sail it and arrive around mid-day in time to explore some of old town great views over harbour and city and sample excellent natural artisan gelato. Very friendly welcome at marinedi.

Left Favignana anchorage after morning swim with the fishes in Chrystal clear water. Wind direction made getting clear of Marettimo a challenge but once clear we had 24 hrs of 12 knots gusting 15 from the north, one reef in each sail and made 6 knots all the way. Knocking of 110 miles in under 24 hrs. The last 40 miles where slow motoring or jib sailing as we slowed to arrive at sun up to see the sand anchorage.. Easy large anchorage even though there were a good number of other boats there. Again clear blue water and dramatic green hills.

After almost a month of sailing between the adverse or too high winds along the south of Sicily we finally had fair winds to the Isola Edagi. Preveto on Favignana is a wild deserted bay with good sand and shelter. Busy in the afternoon with even a Boat Bar selling ice cream but come 5 pm it is deserted again.

With strong winds forecast from the south we needed to leave as Mazalo is open to south. 7 knot breeze a 7 am clear but cloudy day, forecast 14 knots at Masala by midday. Started fine, then wind dropped then visibility dropped. Only .2 of a mile visibility when we arrived, were inside the Masala breakwater before we saw it. Comforting to have AIS and Radar to help.

We took advantage of the calm morning to take a close look at Selinunte the ruined Greek city from 400BC. Tempio di Poseidone clearly visible from the sea. Wind never arrived so slow sail all the way. Anchored outside harbour in the small designated area shared with 4 other boats and it was full.

With good southerly sector winds forecast we were looking forward to a good sail NW but Nw swell increased when the winds got up and we were making little progress. Only one other anchorage option so we turned in to Porto Palo with no shelter from the wind, which was due to drop in a couple of hours but protection from the swell. We had a very bumpy couple of hours anchored in 2m (1.9 to 2.2) But a very peaceful night.