Fast passage through Sicily
Tao is returned to the water the 27 July and after a leg in the Ionian Islands we are heading West to Sicily.
Dominique comes to spend a nice week with us. This is the opportunity of a ballad in the Ionian Islands: Lefkas, Meganisi and dad Nikolis cave, Ithaca, Nisis Pera Pigadhi, then the Kefalonia to the port of Agostoli. Although it is the full summer season we most often find a secluded Bay to wet out the many rental boats. The fishing is always also unsuccessful, but fortunately we find a well-stocked fishmonger.
Monday 8 August - En route to Sicily
The boat cleaning and laundry while waiting for a favourable wind. Finally we leave Agostoli Bay in the afternoon of the 8 August. The wind is capricious with clouds that make ride the wind to 25 knots overnight. It's a good thing we had a ris precaution. Late in the evening of the 9 August we are approaching the Straits of Messina and the wind suddenly disappears. The current is favourable we decide to cross the Strait to the engine on a flat sea.
Wednesday 10 August - Lipari, Aeolian Islands
We continue to Lipari in the engine and we are greeted by a ballet of speedboats, ferries and boats of all types plying the Bay. Determined to not spend the night in a "marina", We get wet between the marina and the gas station. Quickly a couple of sailboats imitate us. But just before the sun goes down the coast guard we are all clear... maybe because marinas are empty! It's the panic in all boats to find a place before nightfall. Most are heading the marinas where the areas of moorings are installed. While the light we sail along the coast to the South and find a beautiful sandy area with 8 water meters.
As world! There are boats everywhere. After a first berth to Vulcano we decide to raise anchor because too many boats around us. So we will be in a large Bay to the West of Lipari. Some 50 boats are our close neighbours. It is not for us...
Tuesday 16 August - Cefalù
It's the engine that we leave the Aeolian Islands because we are more of the crowd. Mooring in the harbour of Cefalù and quick tour of the city before continuing to the West…
After several moorings more crowded than the others...
We get around Capo Gallo North of Palermo...
... we have the privilege to wet in the face of the tourist town of San Vito lo Capo... The wind comes from the sea and once nightfall a very strong smell of untreated sewage attack us... It's disgusting! Quickly save us, but it's too late! After a week in the polluted waters of the North of Sicily we are victims of infections in the ears and eyes. Some comfort with the delicious ice Sicilian pistachio...
Monday 22 August - Levazo
Last stop in Sicily in the Park of the Egadi Islands… then cap on Sardinia.