Sicily - we found some good bits!

 After two nights at anchor, we decided a marina was called for - There was very little wind as we made our way East along Sicily's north coast, the engine was well used.  We went to Portorosa, a very cute, and presumably totally man made harbour for a night of civilisation.

As is typical of this area, the beach was packed with sun brollies and sun beds - personal space is clearly not valued very highly!

Portorosa beach, Sicily

Hilary, Ian and Martin, Portorosa Marina

That evening there was the Festival of Madonna, we were fascinated to see crowds gather as a convoy of fishing boats, complete with various Men of Religion in full robes and a brass band set out to sea.

I believe Madonna is also on the boat.

Where else would the band be?

The festival seemed to consist of the largest collection of market / junk stalls ever!

Hilary and Martin check out the bargains, but come away empty handed

Interestingly, there had been fireworks in the afternoon, not seen at their best - but maybe they were practising for the real thing which was much more impressive at about midnight.

The next day we continued along the coast to Milazzo - another marina - where Hilary and Martin were catching a bus to the airport.

We found a particularly tasty restaurant for dinner

Restaurant Art, Milazzo

We went for a quick wonder round the town the next morning, 

There were some interesting old ruins, time for a bit of shopping an a haircut for Ian.

A classy establishment - I wonder if he also owns the restaurant we ate in!

We waved Hilary and Martin goodbye

We will miss the glamour!

We needed to refill our gas bottles which is not a quick job in these parts - it takes 24 hours at least - so anchored in the bay next to the town and went to investigate the other delights of Milazzo

Our dinghy is quite small

The old town, complete with cobbled streets

And a rather fine castle

We tried to go in, but unfortunately it was shut for siesta time

Our anchorage, Milazzo refinery visible in the distance

This one is for Martin, he is very interested in Refineries!

Gas bottles eventually filled, we set off again, heading for the Straights of Messina that separate Sicily from Italy

Again, no wind so we motored gently along the coast - anchoring off beaches at night.

Our anghorage - interestingly, although there were very few people about, there was always very loud disco music into the early hours. Where do the people hide the rest of the time?

Motoring through the fantastically clear water towards the straights, Italy visible in the distance.

The straights are less than two miles wide, and despite the small tidal range in the Med, the tide really ripped through the gap, much like the Alderney Race.

Italy, and fast moving water

Once through the straights we did manage to sail, but only for about an hour till the wind dropped again and it was back to the engine again.

It gave us the opportunity to hug the coast - most of it looks like this.

And there are spectacular road bridges.

Ian took the opportunity to do some maintenance.

We filled up with fuel in Porto Veccio, on the eastern side of Italy's 'sole' before heading across the 70 mile 'arch' to the 'heel'.  There was no wind, but it felt stormy and it was late afternoon so we anchored up in a bay.  We were just settling down for the night when the wind started - from none to 25 kts in 5 minutes.  Wind at last!  We upped anchor, and we're on our way by 2300.  We had 25 to 35 kts the whole night, and are now in Leuca, on the tip of the heel.

Next stop - head north up Italy, and then to Croatia