After 11 days out we are just about to begin our first overnight passage - from Crete to Malta. The past 10 days have been very busy getting ourselves organized, getting everyone used to the routine, provisioning and squeezing in a bit of sight seeing in both Rhodes and Crete. Barb and Ellen got a real taste of all different points of sail, especially with the 5 days of upwind tacking in 25-35 knots of wind. Now that was work! But now even Ellen's stomach has adjusted and all of us feel quite ready to move on.
The high winds have subsided and it looks as though we will be in for a pleasant, albeit slow passage to Malta. This will be a first for Ellen and Barb - sailing all night long, taking turns on watch and trying to sleep while underway. They are doing great though - our meals have been fantastic and all photos are courtesy of these 2 fine women. It is a real pleasure having them on board. And Cress gets lots of 'well done!' looks when everyone sees his all female crew! He just keeps smiling and letting them wonder how in the heck he managed it!
We are now tied up to the seawall in Chania in Crete, loading up with water and fuel and as soon as we pick up our laundry and a few more fresh veggies, we will be outta here.This 400 NM passage should take about 3-4 days depending of course on WIND :-).
By the way, I am truly having a hard time being without a phone!! No texting, no facetime, no instant emails.... but am slowly adjusting (NOT!). But mostly I am missing contact with Jenn and Krissy. Cress has managed to get a wireless working on the boat now, so we can all connect whenever we get a data cardin each country - so that will help!
Out for now,
Irena
Nice to have less boisterous winds for your guests' first overnight passages. Hope all is well.
ReplyDelete