Italy travel blog
A suitable weather window has opened for us so it’s time to leave Italy and strike out for Spain’s Balearic Islands. This time of year, the gap between Sardinia and Corsica is a bit of a wind tunnel, so when it quietens down you have to make the most of it. Considering the big winds we’ve experienced in La Maddalena for the last few days, we expect to cop some swell on our trip to Mallorca. It’ll be a bumpy…
Travelling by sail is not for the impatient. Compared to other forms of transport, it’s slow going. For many sailboats, averaging seven knots (13km/h) during a day out on the water is pretty good pace. As you are using nature to power your vessel, your energy source is in a constant state of flux. You might start the day ripping along with full sails and spray flying, and shortly after you’re lolling in the swell, canvas slack and boom swaying….
The Skipper had noticed some irregularities in the saildrive (the engine’s transmission and propulsion system) oil and decided to have the boat hauled out and inspected at Arbatax, Sardinia. Now although a 46 foot boat that weighs over 10 tonnes isn’t the biggest ship in the harbour, it ain’t your Sunday arvo tinny either, and it takes some big gear to get it out of the water. They had the facilities at Arbatax to do the job, and we squeezed…
Mountains, Wind and Waves After an 18 hour sail from Tunisia we arrived in Sardinia, Italy, and anchored off Cagliari breakwater in the early morning light. The Guardia Di Finanza didn’t turn up til the next day, and we appreciated the chance to have a breather. The Guardia are responsible for fighting financial crime and smuggling, and in our experience are the first officials to show up when you arrive in Italian waters. We were unsure as to the reception…
Are you sick of political correctness, lefties and namby-pamby politicians? Do you think back to the grand old days of fascism and get a little misty-eyed? Still think minorities are for persecuting? Sick of democracy getting in the way of getting things done? Need a strongman in your life? Well why not start 2021 like it’s 1925 all over again with a Benito Mussolini Il Duce calendar! Relive the good old days of the dictatorship with a new striking image…
Volcanoes of Italy After seven months in New Zealand I’d seen a few volcanoes. Truth is, Aotearoa is pretty much a whole bunch of volcanoes linked together by other volcanoes. Most Aussies are aware of just how volcanic New Zealand is, however I didn’t realise that Italy has some rippers of its own. Ok well maybe that’s common knowledge but I didn’t bloody know alright? Geez. Ignorant though I was, I would soon find out more about a couple of…
When the weather is fine, there are some great aspects of night sailing. A sky full of stars, the gentle motion of the boat, and if you’re lucky, bioluminescence forming tiny galaxies of light in the wash of the wake. Peaceful solitude whilst nature powers your journey. However, even on these nights, I often receive unwanted visitors. When I’m sitting in the dark, alone at the helm, they come when I’m at my weakest. When I’m tired and cold and…