Malta

After another really good sail on the afternoon of Tuesday 1st September we dropped the hook in a lovely 'protected' bay called Cala Piombo, SW corner of Sardinia, identified as part of the military restricted area (firing range) where yachts are not supposed to anchor. We noticed a few other yachts there so decided to join them! In the event only two of us stayed put overnight and we had excellent conditions for a good night's sleep. Next day it was a short hop, just 56 NM to Cagliari, where were able to get a berth overnight at Marina del Sole, not before our ill-attempt to enter Perd'e Sali "Sarroch" Marina, which should have had between 3 & 5 m at it's entrance, except it doesn't! (We live & learn!). In Marina del Sole we met Trevor & Marcus on 'Captain Ginger' who are heading towards Alanya, who we will probably meet up again some time in the future.
After departing Cagliari early morning 4th September we were heading towards Sicily and assisted by the direction of wind during the following 24 hours, changed towards Isola Pantelleria, a little island further South, dropping the hook in Cala Levante, where we ended up rolling about 'like a pig in sh-one-t', prompting us to depart early the next morning, heading towards Malta. By now the storms systems, which we had just about been able to stay one step ahead of, caught up with us and we were privileged to have a sleigh-ride of a sail with nothing more than half the genoa pulling us along. At midnight we were able to drop the hook in Cala San Niklaw on Isla Comino, which is tucked in between Malta & Gozo. Great safe anchorage for every direction of wind except the NE. Between midnight & 6 am the wind veered from NW to NE so it was an early start for the next short leg towards Valetta. We spent the morning requesting a berth at the local marinas and filling up with fuel before moving on to Grand Harbour Marine, where our request for a berth was received with an offer to provide us with the use of a financial advisor for the duration of our stay! The most expensive marine we have managed to indulge ourselves, thus far! Thank you Camper & Nicholson! Wayne & Angie, who own a beautiful Warrior sailing yacht called 'Hitrapia' and we know from Kemer, presently living in Malta, joined us on Ticketeeboo in the afternoon and kindly took time-out as our personal walkie-talkie guides today.
Tomorrow, 9th September, we expect to depart Malta towards Pilos, a beautiful place in Greece on the Peloponnese, about 350 NM heading East. This little passage will take us to a total of about 2,800 NM since leaving Southampton. From there after we should be mainly daysailing for a change. On a very fireworkey beautiful evening in Grand Harbour, Malta....... Goodnight for now XXX Oh yep, forgot to mention........... We now have a tennis ball hanging below the sliding hatch because I left the top hatch closed, Sue didn't see it and smacked her head on the lock. The air wasn't blue although her head was very red, where the blood readily escaped. On the bright side, having just washed her hair it hasn't been necessary to reopen the wound too soon! I offered to make amends by stitching up the loose skin flaps and Sue declined my kind offer. The tennis ball is a good reminder to watch-out in future - my fault entirely!