Fortunately we were able to motor-sail most of the way, which was a nice change from motoring and there were definitely a lot more yachts in this neck of the woods.
After Elaine tweaked her back first thing this morning and went back to bed to rest it, she then caught up on all the ARC 2023 activities to meet a few deadlines that were coming up, while Roy sat watch at the helm in between running the watermaker.
By 1600 we were anchored off Solerno, home to the first medical school of medieval Europe and the homeland of “mozzarella di bufala” and the famous Amalfi lemons, but what a disappointment. Not only was it a rather large city, but it was very industrial, neither of which we were expecting and finding a spot in the anchorage was a tad difficult too, since it was packed with locals out in their little motorboats enjoying their Sunday and, we presume, celebrating Father’s Day.
It didn’t help matters either that the northwesterly winds that were forecast, were, in fact, southwesterly and blowing straight across the Gulf of Solerno, straight into the anchorage. Fortunately the forecast that the winds would turn to the north overnight was correct and things settled down, giving us a calm anchorage to spend the night, for which we were very grateful.
While we had two other yachts for company, it appeared most yachts sailed on to Capri Island, but we wanted to stay a few days to explore the Amalfi Coast. That plan faded into oblivion, however, when Roy couldn’t find anywhere to land the dinghy somewhere secure when he did a diesel run to top up the tanks. No matter who he asked, he got a big fat “NO”! Not one of the three marinas would entertain the idea at all, resigning ourselves to the fact that we wouldn’t be exploring the Amalfi Coast by land after all.
That also meant we couldn’t eat ashore to celebrate Father’s Day, so bangers and mash had to suffice for dinner, but that was enjoyed over a nice long chat to Keenan, who was overnighting in Denver. Keenan was in total disbelief, though, when Roy relayed that it had just cost us €260 for 110 litres of diesel.
But, regardless of how our day unraveled, we’d like to wish Elaine’s dad and all the amazing dads out there a Happy Father’s Day.
