We’d originally timed our departure for 0800 to coincide with the tide change and associated current running south through the Messina Strait, but leaving earlier meant a slight current against us, which, fortunately, wasn’t enough to slow us down drastically. It certainly helped when the tide changed, though, assisted by a light breeze out of the east; neither enough for us to sail unfortunately, which meant we were motor-sailing again, then motoring when the wind dropped entirely.
Considering our state of sleep deprivation, before long Elaine needed a nap, surfacing around 1000, following which it was Roy’s turn to get some shuteye.
By noon the sun was trying to peek through overcast skies and Roy had finished his watermaker duties, but we’d encountered a number of obstacles in the water, requiring vigilance at all times. These included floating trees, large pieces of timber and, of course, motoryachts not paying attention and not watching where they were going, but all in one hell of a hurry, as usual.
By 1530 we were anchored in a large protected bay off Syracuse. Besides our failed attempt at finding the fuel dock, indicated on Navionics, to get diesel, given all our motoring, we were delighted to find a calm anchorage with good holding and plenty of swing room. Heaven!
Once we were settled, Elaine finished her blog after our explorations of Taormina and Castelmola yesterday, while Roy went on a reconnaissance to find a fuel dock, somewhere to dispose our garbage and somewhere safe to leave the dinghy for when we go exploring again, as well as taking the opportunity to enjoy a cold beverage at one of the waterfront bars while chatting to Keenan.
One his return, he was delighted to report that he found everything we needed, including a very friendly, welcoming marina manager, who indicated it was no problem at all to leave our dinghy in the marina. What a change from Greece!
And, on that positive note our day came to a close.
