It’s the last day of June.
We decided we would just have a short sail today across to Maratea.
This was recommended by both Otti & Adrian. It was only four miles or so across the bay . The rationale being it would be a longish one tommorrow 1st July to Vibo Valentia approximately 80 miles further South and would be our 1st night sail of 2016 .
After 40 minutes or so we arrived in a delightful harbour full of wooden motorboats and grannies out fishing.
We fuelled up and went to the office to settle up for the night with Dick Turpin, after tonight the prices really go crazy! Italy doesnt seem to want to cater to small boats as they don’t usually provide shower & toilet facilities, presuming you have your own, which we do – but not in the wet room splendor of a motor yacht. Its a pity because if it were just a bit cheaper you would stay longer and spend more money in the local ameneties ?
Talking of which we headed out that night to the recommended 1999 restaurant as a treat in preparation of the longish overnighter to come.
As fate would have it I checked the bilge prior to setting off the next day, a routine I had negected while Susan was on board, only to find it full of whey type sludge. It was either from a carton of milk that had burst or the remaining mozzarela that was in the fridge. A lot of fun – as much as servicing the toilet, almost .
Anyhow after dismantling the cabin table , lifting the floorboards, cleaning and disinfecting, and replacing all the bits, we were ready for the off. Maybe the foosty smell we had in Amalfi, Salerno etal …..?
We had a good night sail and just before sunset I took the boat in close to shore to try to get our TIM internet working, but it looks like they have cut us off at last ,but we did get two extra months.
We arrived at 09:00 the next day. The plan had only been to have a night or so at Marina Carmelo in Vibo Valentia, but the received wisdom was not to try the Strait of Messina during Springs which was approaching, so we arranged to stay for a 7 nights and we are so glad we did.
Cheese & Bilge Party then Maratea
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