We spent a very gloriously peaceful night at anchor, the wind seems to be dropping to nothing overnight at the moment. We knew that we were in no rush in the morning as we did not have too far to go and what wind there would be would be in the early afternoon, so we enjoyed a relaxing morning. The sea was calm and so clear that even in 8 metres, we could clearly see our anchor and chain on the bottom. Tricia went for a swim, but was out of the water again in seconds. It was too cold.
Eventually it was time to move, and we raised the anchor and motored away. In due course the wind arrived, and once the sails were set, the engine went off and we were able to enjoy the quiet as we made steady if not overly rapid progress.
As we changed driver, Tricia gave me a briefing about what was happening. As crew, your focus of attention is not always outside the boat, so we make a point of talking about all the other boats etc. around us, whether easily seen with the naked eye, or just visible to the AIS system. On this occasion, Tricia pointed out another boat, relatively near and on a converging course. We were going higher upwind, so were at a disadvantage. Tricia said that she thought this other boat was going faster than us, and would probably get ahead of us before we reached our next waypoint. Well, this was like a red rag to a bull for me. It became a point of principle that we would not be overtaken. I think it was actually a well judged psychological challenge. Anyway the result was that we steadily picked up speed and duly pulled away from them even though we were going more to windward. And they probably didn't even know that they were in a race.
Later the wind died again and we had to motor the last couple of miles into Siracusa. The result of this was that all of the preparations for docking were done early, and so we had the chance to take some photos as we entered the port. This is usually a busy period, so photos are a long way down the list of priorities. The entrance is guarded by a castle, as we were able to show in last week's pictures. This time we got good views from the sea.
In the distance in this picture, you can see the shape of the new cathedral against the skyline. This building is very reminiscent of Coventry Cathedral, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Liverpool. Each of these three have been rebuilt after the Second World War, when their predecessors were destroyed by bombing
Saturday morning was for chores and shopping. We were early to the launderette, where is seemed to be English language day. While we were waiting , at least 3 other English speaking groups were there. As old hands at this particular establishment (well we have been there once before), we were able to dispense guidance about how to use the machines to those needing it on their first visit.
After this, we went to the Saturday market to stock up on fresh fish, and fruit and vegetables. We also managed to add to our stock of locally produced nuts, which now includes almonds, walnuts, pistachios and hazelnuts. As ever, all the produce is local with almost no food miles, and super fresh as a result.
Like all good yachts, we have a chef dedicated to feeding the crew. There is also a chef who cooks for the passengers, but in this case, it is the same person. Anyway, chef excelled herself for lunch today, with asparagus and poached eggs. We always eat very well on board, but this was exceptional for a lunch.
We went for a stroll in the later afternoon, and found the town buzzing. Over the last week it seems as if summer has been switched on, and there are noticeably more tourists and other boats than there were a week ago. Even the market was about 40% bigger this week. In the piazza outside the Duomo, there were crowds of people, including local firemen and Red Cross workers. They seemed to be going to a service at the church, and later the town band appeared, and led a procession through the narrow streets.
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| It is just about a full moon, and it looked rather beautiful, just above the buildings |
Miles 2022 - 356
Steve (and Tricia)
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